Listen to this devotion
How, Lord … can I follow Jesus’ example of forgiveness?
In the Word
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37c).
Of the Word
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered (Psalm 32:1).
The movie, The Passion of the Christ, has been viewed by millions of people. The arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death of Jesus were portrayed in utmost reality on the screen. Some people were unable to watch the movie in its entirety because every piercing of the thorns, every stroke of the whip, every blow of the hammer was too graphic.
Perhaps that gruesome reality, however, helps us to understand the magnitude of Jesus’ suffering and the wonder of His words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34a).
Let yourself think for a moment about what He endured: lies, ridicule, pain, abandonment by friends and even His Father. Yet He asked God to forgive.
What a model of forgiveness our Savior is! Let us remember His words when we pray, “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us” (Luke 11:4a).
Walking with my Lord
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving my sins. Make my heart like Your heart, filled with forgiveness. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 31/32 ©2011 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
