Luke 23:32-34
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Comments
When Jesus said in the sermon on the mount that we should love our enemies, he was not being some kind of hopeless idealist. He lived what he taught.
Those who crucified Jesus were more interested in his clothes than his life, and yet he asked God to forgive the enormity of their sin. He could not have done that without seeing something in them worth forgiving. Even those who crucified Jesus had been created in the image of God.
It is hard to imagine that any act of love could be more extreme than what Jesus did on the cross, dying not only for those who followed him, but even for those who mocked him and treated him so cruelly.
Reflections
Do you feel justified in hating those who have hurt you or those who have done terrible things to others?
Do you withhold your love from people until they show they are truly sorry for what they have done?
What difference would it make in your life if you were to begin loving people as Jesus loved them?
Prayer
Your love, O Lord, is extravagant beyond measure. As I marvel at the undeserved love you have for me, give me the grace and courage to love others who are likewise undeserving.
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