A human mind cannot comprehend the depth of God’s love. For Jesus taking our sins in his own body on the cross had everything to lose, and we had nothing to give back to him in return. The prophet Isaiah described Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross saying, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one, to his own way; and the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6)

As Jesus hung on the cross, with criminals dying on either side, Roman soldiers below dividing up his garments, and casting lots, crowds of people who just days before sang his praises, now calling for his death, our Savior does the most amazing thing … “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’” (Luke 23:34)

With those powerful words, God forgave us, cancelling the debt that was held against us because of sin. The purpose he came to earth to accomplish was now finished. 

Now consider the example Christ became for us. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, … for consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted bloodshed, striving against sin.” (Hebrews 12:2-4)

In this life we may experience betrayal, humiliation, and offense from others. Did not Jesus teach us to pray, “and forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors.”? We have not suffered the dimension of persecution that Jesus did for us. Can we not forgive the debt that we experience? In truth, our own forgiveness is tied to our forgiving others. 

Consider this, that each time we take communion, we partake of the body and blood of Christ - remembering his sacrifice, the power of forgiveness for our sins, and the cancellation of our debt. So each time we are faced with the choice to forgive someone, can we think of it in this light: ‘Do this in remembrance of Me’. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as Christ forgave you.

Querido Padre Celestial,

I confess that I often find it hard to forgive. Thank You for the blood of Jesus shed on the cross that I can plead, not only for You to forgive me, but to help me forgive others. O Lord, do not let the root of bitterness grow up and defile many. Help me to forgive those who have sinned against me and also those who I may wrongly think have sinned against me or those I love. I forgive, Lord, help me overcome my unforgiveness! In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Kindness includes checking our own attitude and behavior when we feel selfish, irritated, disrespected, inconvenienced, or wronged. In such moments, remember this verse and choose grace. Pray for the peace of Christ to rule in your heart, remembering the grace you have received.