Proverbs 17:9 NLT
The only perfect person who ever walked on Earth was crucified. No one I know, including me, is in any danger of being crucified for the same reason. Romans 3:23 tells us, For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. God's standard - that puts us all on the same playing field. His banner over us is love. Not my standard. Not your standard. However, that's how we tend to look at people - using our standard and not God's. Ours tends to be judgmental without much love. God's standard is pure.
When someone wrongs us, we're usually ready to do battle. Or at the very least, we nurse, curse, and rehearse it, giving life to the perceived wrong. It can and will separate friendships if we don't forgive. On the other hand, Jesus - nailed to the Cross, bruised and bleeding by the hands of the Roman soldiers - pleads, "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) No insulted ego, no anger, no burning desire for recompense. Only love and compassion and obedience.
God's love for us put Jesus on the Cross. Christ's love for us kept Him there until the Plan of Redemption was finished. Praise His Holy Name!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for showing us the ultimate love and forgiveness. Bring all things to our remembrance and help us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, choosing His way. Forgive us for the repetition of Nurse. Curse and Rehearse, when we should be forgiving others and praying for them according to Your Word. Help us walk in first-time obedience. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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