Dad's Ramblings -- Forgiveness

"Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.' "
         
                                            Luke 23:34
 
When Jesus said these words, there was no ulterior motive. The very heart of Jesus was unfeigned forgiveness. The natural human response to misuse and abuse is to hold the offender hostage in the prison of our hearts with chains of bitterness, anger, grudge, and a "get-even" attitude. But not Jesus. His was pure forgiveness with no strings attached. It is one thing to speak forgiveness; it is another thing to release the offender. The Scriptures say that there was no guile in His mouth (Isaiah 53:9; I Peter 2:22). The Greek word has the sense of catching with bait, to lure, snare and hence to speak deceptively. Peter brings this point home when He wrote,
 
"Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten ["I'll get even with you; you'll pay for this"], but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (I Peter 2:23).
 
This is the key to releasing offense – giving ourselves (and the offense) to God. That's what Jesus did, and He is our example (I Peter 2:21).
 
Today's Thought: Giving offenses to God is the key to living without bitterness.
 
Have a "free" day. Love you.