We are told in The Word the first and most important commandment is Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, mind and soul (Matthew 22:37). Immediately after this is the commandment to Love others as much as you love yourself. (Matthew 22:39). Please note there is no qualifying as to who "Others" refers. This does not tell us to love those who are loveable, love only those who are believers, or love the like minded. It concretely states OTHERS----which is all encompassing. We are to love our fellow man--- all of whom are God's creations without exception. That can be a tall order.
As I reflected on this, I began to remember one of the most important lessons taught by Jesus. FORGIVE-period. It is most telling that in His final minutes here with us, Jesus spent time forgiving. He asked God to forgive those who persecuted Him which included the soldiers, the authorities, and those who called for His crucifixion. In those final words, He forgave the thief who was placed on the cross beside Him. Jesus offered the thief forgiveness after the thief acknowledged who Jesus was. "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:42-43 Why would Jesus take the time in those last minutes to forgive a common thief and His persecutors? He was demonstrating the importance of forgiveness in our lives as Believers.
In my reflections on how to finish well, I have come to realize the need to be absolutely certain I have forgiven EVERYONE I might have grudge against--dislike for, and even those who have caused me great pain. I have learned under my own power, it is impossible to forgive some, but no matter how justified my feelings---there are no exemptions to forgiving ALL. My personal experience is when I have gone to The Father admitting my inability to forgive, He has intervened, given me the ability to forgive, and taught me the power in forgiveness. If He can forgive all of our sins and omissions, He can also give us the strength to forgive others. There is POWER---in forgiving---life sustaining, glory bestowing power.
My charge is to examine my heart and bestow forgiveness to ALL. Exactly as the example He gave us on the cross, we are to forgive one and all. One more step on the quest to finish well.
"Stop being bitter and angry and mad at other.
Don't yell at one another of curse each other or ever be rude.
Instead, be kind and merciful,
and FORGIVE others,
JUST AS GOD FORGAVE YOU
BECAUSE OF CHRIST."
Ephesians 4:31-32
As I read your words here today, Lulu, all I could picture was Erika Kirk stating her forgiveness for her husband's killer. She chose forgiveness because Jesus did when He hung on the cross and commanded us to do the same. What a shining example she is for Christians everywhere. Thanks for this reflection today. Blessings!
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