THE FIRST WORD OF JESUS ON THE CROSS!
Luke 23:34-Jesus said: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Memorize)
Day 34- Mathew 5:44 “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”(Memorize)
These are the most awesome words uttered by Jesus on the cross which is still creating revolution in the hearts of hard-hearted sinners! Imagine, bleeding and hanging on the cross, brutally beaten and asking forgiveness for the same people who had been viciously unkind and beastly! Jesus is bountifully loved for this! In my own life, the words of Jesus from the cross pierced my heart and brought transformation in my life. If you need deliverance and healing from bitterness, anger, vengeance and deep wounds, I suggest you read the portions of crucifixion of Jesus from the New Testament. There is no other remedy in this whole world!
Too much concentration on ‘self’ and replay of hurtful words targeted against you, jabs your energy, leaving you depressed and hopeless. Now, arise! It is time to give the enemy a kick! It hurts to watch many families attacked by satan, with husband and wife living separately – many of them are church-going and Bible-reading believers. These are clear ‘pointers’ to our lack of spiritual growth. Homes have become like battle zones, with shoes flying at each other – no jokes, this is happening - because we have failed to identify our own faults and mistakes. We love to point fingers at each other. Proverbs 26:12 ‘Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. ‘
How to patch up a split family? Each have a sack full of complaints and grievances against each other. My advice is to bury them in the name of Jesus, humble yourself and allow God to work grace in your bitter hearts. I have been burdened to write this devotion, because I want to see many broken relationships healed during this 40 days of fasting and before Easter. Never try to thrash it out with words, it never works, the matter gets worse, though; just silently fast and pray for God to restore your marriage. Proverbs 10:19 ‘….he who restrains his lips is wise.’ You cannot handle this with muscle-power, pray for God to rebuke the evil power working against your family. Remember the words of Jesus, ‘"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do!"
Let me stress a point here, when we fail to forgive, we are actually torturing ourselves; because bitterness causes depression, inability to sleep, tension and much more. When we unconditionally forgive, we are set free! Praise the Lord! May God set you free today!
Someone said, ”As fast as they offend you so fast forgive them. Immediately forgive them.”
“Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.” Bishop T.D.Jakes
