Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34

 

Our savior tells us throughout the entire Bible how he loves us but his love is shown complete when he uses his actions. By submitting himself to the will of the father he declares his undying and unyielding love for us. As Jesus hung on the cross for our transgressions his declaration of love for us is shown in his defense of us before the Father. Jesus asks God to forgive those who mock him and sin against him because they don't understand. He is the greatest advocate for those who go against him the most. Before we come to Christ we are ignorant of what our actions and words truly mean. We are ignorant to his love and are enemies to him.

The wages for sin is death and Jesus paid the price. When I sit and think of having to answer for all I've ever done, I don't know how I could do that before God. Then I sit and think of how Jesus answered for me here and saved me by asking God to forgive me because of my ignorance. This verse is an answer. When God asks Jesus what to do with those who have sinned against him here he says "forgive them". If God asks why or how has our debt been paid, Jesus will answer that he became sin and sacrificed himself for us out of love. Because Jesus who was sinless became sin for me, I won't have to pay the price.

If I were innocent of a crime and had to be punished with death, the most logical reaction would be outrage and anger. I would vehemently accuse and yell at the true guilty party but this is because I am only human. Jesus proves the uniqueness and proof of his true love by advocating forgiveness for the truly guilty. His words again prove how he is above this earth and is definitely not a simple human. When insults were hurled at him, he answered with love.

When we sin against him, he answers with love. Though we break his heart with our sinful natures, he readily stands with arms open and longs to change that sinful nature so that he may delight with us. Sometimes, I think of how I am guilty of Jesus' death. It is because of my sin that he had to be sacrificed. Instead of allowing me to feel guilty, Jesus reminds me with this verse that even if it was all my fault he did it because of his love for me. Jesus came not to blame the guilty but to rescue us and pay our debt before the father. Each day accept his invitation for forgiveness and fellowship. Allow his answer to your every question and trouble to be love. His love is more than words his love is the sacrifice and price he paid for us.

 

 

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Dear Lord,
When I think of how unworthy I am of being saved I am filled with thankfulness. Thank you for saving me and paying the debt of my sins. Thank you for forgiving me for my ignorance of you and for granting me wisdom by grace to see the depths of your true love for me. You have captured my heart by your love and have set my spirit free with this act of love. Let us never forget. Surround us with your love daily and help us to answer everyday with a yes to your love. Amen.