Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people! They don’t know what they’re doing.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a cartoon on Facebook today where a woman was talking with Jesus. She told him that she had met some fellow believers who were on the opposite end of the political spectrum from her own views. She said, “I just don’t see how they can reconcile their faith with their position on…” Jesus interrupted her, “I’ll handle the reconciling… your job is just to love them – or maybe not to hate them.”
We have a hard time with this, don’t we? Oh, if only everyone saw things exactly as we do, the world would be such a wonderful place! But we know better… or we should! Jesus has given us the ultimate example of this when He asked God to forgive those who were beating Him, spitting on Him, stripping Him naked and gambling for His clothing… and nailing Him to a cross. Jesus said, “Father, YOU handle the reconciling… I’ll do the loving.”
It would have been so easy for Jesus to hate these people. It would have been no sweat at all for Him to say, “You know what? These people are not worth My time. I’m outta here!” He could have returned to heaven, or even continued to live on earth unbothered if He chose. He could have turned the tables and wiped out every human being who was “on the opposite end of the spectrum.” But this is not at all what Jesus did.
If we want to have even the most remote chance of being like Jesus, we have to get over ourselves. We have to start operating in love instead of hate. We have to offer acceptance to those who don’t think as we do… and forgiveness to the ones who are unkind or mistreat us in some way. We don’t have to be doormats and put ourselves in positions to be continually disrespected. But we are called to love the unlovely – to give them far better than they deserve… because that’s what Jesus does – for each of us!
The next time someone treats you rudely or disrespectfully, ask God to forgive them… and then make an effort to do the same. When you encounter someone whose position – on anything from politics to religion to the weather – is different than your own, be kind and do not act as if you are superior. Allow that this person is a child of God, too – just like you! Remember that when you point your finger at someone, four are pointing in your own direction. And never forget that Jesus didn’t die on the cross for you alone… He died for all of us.
Was it worth the price Christ paid for you? Are you truly living for Him and trying to follow His example? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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