What a person has to say is important. But we often attach great significance to what we believe are their last words.
Perhaps it is savoring the treasure of hearing their voice for the last time on earth. Perhaps we hope to hear some secret of the universe revealed before they go to the other side.
But whatever the reason, we remember their last words long after they are gone.
Many people believe Jesus’ Words from the cross were His Last Words. They were not. He had more to say after His Resurrection!
But what Jesus said from the cross was still very important.
The very first thing He said was,
“Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing.”
Luke 23:34
For years I thought Jesus was only talking about the ones who were crucifying Him. But then I realized He was speaking to every one of His Creations, Past, Present and Future.
At that moment, everyone was given a clean slate. Everyone was saved. Jesus was fulfilling the very reason He came — to save the world.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
John 3:17
How would He save? By teaching and modeling one simple Truth.
Receive His Forgiveness and then forgive in the same way He forgave.
Forgive those who reject you, insult you, betray you, deny they even know you. Forgive those who commit all kinds of sins. Forgive those who torture and try to kill you.
Forgive them even when they are in the very act of sinning against you or others.
Why doesn’t the world look saved now?
Because we have tried to claim Jesus’ Gift of Forgiveness without passing it on. When we do not forgive everyone as Jesus did, we cannot be forgiven.
If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15
Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.
Luke 8:37
When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.
Mark 11:25
The best and truest way to receive The Gift Jesus gave you is to begin this minute with a simple act of repentance for not forgiving as Jesus did.
Thank God for forgiving you over and over again, even when you were so lost in sin you did not know what you were doing.
Ask God to reveal to you anyone you need to forgive.
If you are having trouble forgiving them, tell Him. He already knows. Ask Him to forgive them through you. Then surrender to His Power to forgive.
When they have been forgiven, let them remain forgiven. If satan tries to bring the hurt back to you, tell him that debt was already cancelled by The Power of Jesus … and as Jesus also said from the cross, it is finished!
Thank You, Lord, for Your Gift. May we see the world as you did. All forgiven. All saved. All Heaven and Earth rejoicing.
Forgive as The Lord forgave you!
Colossians 3:13
