Forgive Like Jesus 1 Truthful Way Forgiveness Makes You Free

Can you learn to forgive like Jesus? All of us have had times in our lives when we had to forgive someone, but the question is can we follow His example? The power of forgiveness that Jesus showed as he hung on the cross in agony states the following…

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:24

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Could You Forgive Like Jesus? The Power of Forgiveness

Would you be able to forgive like Jesus while hanging on a Roman Rugged Cross? The forgiveness Jesus showed to the very ones who mocked and persecuted him is hard for us to fathom, isn’t it?

Would you be able to extend that grace and forgive as Jesus did to His accusers?

As humans, the power of forgiveness such as this would be impossible right? All I can say is, thank you, Jesus, for surpassing any example we could EVER show!

Friends envision this scene as Jesus hung on the cross. Your savior was beaten beyond recognition, and his body was left bruised and shattered!

A crown of thorns was placed upon his head as blood poured down his face!

As the nails were hammered into his hands and feet, think of the pain he endured! FOR YOU! It’s not a pretty picture, is it? It’s the reality that took place in Golgotha, on that sad and dark day!

Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

Golgotha (Place of Skull) Description Below

1. A hill near Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified; Calvary.

2. A place of suffering or sacrifice.

3. A place of burial.

I don’t know about you but an accidental cut hurts something fierce. I couldn’t imagine having my body sliced repeatedly and having open wounds covering my entire body and seeping in blood!

A thorn in your finger feels excruciating I can’t begin to imagine a crown of thorns being forced into my scalp! Oh, to think of the agony and pain Jesus endured is too much.

The mockery, insults, and laughing at him when he did no wrong! They changed their opinion of Christ rather quickly.

The crowd that loved Christ a few days prior now hated him enough to shout the words…Crucify Him!

How is The Power of Forgiveness on display?

Even as Jesus hung on a Rugged Roman Cross for all mankind he still showed love, compassion, and forgiveness. He didn’t spit words of hatred.

And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”  Luke 23:41

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  Luke 23:42

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

Jesus took the penalty for you. The nails didn’t keep Jesus hanging there his love for you is what held him there.

Does just thinking of the Crucifixion make you emotional? It breaks my heart and soul to know what he endured.

Recently I went to the cinema because I wanted to see the movie I Can Only Imagine. It’s about the lead singer of MercyMe and his life.

I had heard that he endured abuse but I honestly had no idea until I had seen this movie how bad he had it. Watching stories about abuse can often be hard for me because it’s something I suffered in my own life.

For so long Bart harbored anger and bitterness toward his father and since seeing the movie I can understand why he felt that way.

He thought his father didn’t deserve forgiveness for the way he treated him for so long. I do not mean a slap now and then I mean full-on abuse for years ever since he was a child.

I don’t want to give away too much of the movie cause you may wanna have a date night with your loved one Ya know. You’re welcome for the suggestion.

I will tell you this much, in the end, it shows the unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness, that is modeled following Jesus Christ’s example. Bart showed the power of forgiveness when he chose to forgive like Jesus

We are commanded to forgive like Jesus…ALWAYS!

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How can You learn to forgive like Jesus?

If you haven’t read my testimony you will learn that I also know what it’s like to be abused. After fifteen years I know how it can beat you down, in mind, body, and spirit.

I had so much anger, resentment, hatred, and bitterness in my heart. May I NOT dare forget to mention, the “why me” and “how could you let this happen to me” blaming God for every wrong, that had happened to me.

I don’t even want to reveal how long I let it keep me from a relationship with God so let’s just say it was way too long.

Looking back at it now I can see how God had me sheltered in his care though at the time it sure didn’t feel that way at all.

I thought God abandoned me when in reality I ABANDONED HIM! I’m going to tell you how it is.

Do you know who is hurting the most from my situation my ex-husband or Me? I will give you one guess…It was ME, friends!

The #1 Reason to forgive… forgiveness sets you free

When you harbor anger and bitterness, and not be willing to forgive in your heart you’re hurting yourself more than the one who offended and hurt you. It just hardens your heart in all you do, and with all, you come in contact with.

By God’s grace alone I have let the bitterness go and I finally have freedom in my spirit and forgiveness in my heart. Trust me it wasn’t easy and I fought tooth and nail not wanting to let it go!

Even now, lies of the devil will be whispering in my ears to get bitter and angry and remind me of how hard it was for me so he could drive a wedge between me and God. There’s a quote I love so much and it couldn’t be more true.

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Amen!

You know the power of forgiveness has come a long way when you feel sorry for the one who mistreated YOU! I have prayed for him and hope he reconnects with God before he takes his final breath on this earth because to think of anyone going to Hell for eternity is scary.

We aren’t promised tomorrow

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew 5:44

I have no idea what kind of burdens and hurts you’re carrying in your hearts today Friends, but God does. Can I ask who or what is allowing your heart to not extend forgiveness?

Give it to God and Let it go because Letting go frees you from the pain! Trust Me, I know due to the fact it will eat at you to the point you will become bitter. You do NOT want that.

It isn’t easy but if you choose NOT to forgive others Jesus will not forgive you. That alone should be enough reason to forgive like Jesus right?

Bible Verses About Forgiveness

And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Matthew 18:21

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:22

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:13

Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:15

I know we all have issues with not forgiving in one way or another and it can be easier to hold on to the hurt. However, we must forgive like Jesus.

Being human we don’t want to give the individual the power to hurt us further. However, if we want to receive forgiveness, then we must be willing to forgive.

A Prayer of forgiveness

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to understand, that I need to be more like you. Not just in the area of forgiveness, but in all I say and do. Help me to see others in the way you see them, redeemed and forgiven, by the blood you shed on Calvary for all.

Your Turn

If Jesus could forgive being nailed upon a Rugged Roman Cross is there any reason why you can not forgive as well? Remember the treatment that Jesus went through and the pain he felt? His reply was Forgive them, Father, they know not what they do.

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