And Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in Paradise. This is a solemn promise.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It would have been so easy for Jesus to write off those two thieves hanging on either side of Him. After all, He was more than just a little preoccupied...beaten beyond recognition...every breath more painful than the last. And yet, He took time to forgive a sinful man and welcome him preemptively into the Kingdom of Heaven. It is understandable how Jesus found the strength to say “Good-bye” to His mother, Mary, and to commend her care to John the Apostle. But it’s hard to comprehend that He cried out to God and asked Him to forgive the soldiers who “know not what they do”. It is astounding to stop and think that Jesus’ last thoughts – and breaths – were largely spent on forgiving others.
So where does this leave us? It’s a question I’ve been asking a lot lately – both of myself and of you. I have to say, I am sensing that this is highly significant for many of us right now. It would be so easy to write a few folks off. I’m not talking in the sense of “unfriending” someone on Facebook...but truly cutting off virtually all contact with these people and acting as if they pretty much no longer exist in your world. And sometimes, we have to distance ourselves from people who are causing us pain – whether physically, mentally, emotionally – or all three.
But here’s the thing...we serve a God of second chances (and third and fourth and fifth)...and in His eyes...it’s never too late for repentance – or for grace, mercy and forgiveness. So it was God’s will that Jesus forgive that thief on the cross in his waning moments of life. And it is God’s will that we forgive others who ask for a second chance. It is His will that we operate in grace and mercy - and sometimes forgiveness...even when the other person did NOT ask for it.
We’re not being weak by doing this...we are demonstrating 1) God’s amazing power in our lives and our obedience to His will; and 2) our desire to free ourselves of bitterness and anguish, because truly, when we are unable to forgive others, WE are the ones who suffer the most.
Don’t misunderstand me. If someone is threatening to harm you – physically, mentally or emotionally - remove yourself from their presence. Put a healthy distance between the two of you. Do whatever is necessary to protect yourself and those around you. No one should stay in an abusive or dangerous situation. I’m not suggesting in the least that you try to be a hero or “tough it out” in circumstances that are unhealthy or unsafe in any manner. Get to a safe place, and then ask God to show you how to find mercy and forgiveness for the person who harmed you...from a secure distance!
For the rest of us, here are the things to remember about today’s scripture passage:
- The next time you think it’s too late...that you have messed up too badly, and you are doomed, remember the thief on the cross and Jesus’ response to His confession and request for mercy.
- The next time you say, “I cannot get past this. I cannot forgive him/her”...remember the cross and Jesus’ words to God about those who had abused Him and nailed Him to a cross.
- The next time you think forgiveness is too hard for you – or that it will open the door for others to mistreat you or take advantage of you, remember Jesus and how He utilized His final breaths.
©2014 Debbie Robus
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