Last Words

                P.T. Barnum, “How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden?” Humphrey Bogart, “I should have never switched from scotch to martinis.” Thomas Jefferson, “Is it the fourth?” These are all famous last words of people we have known throughout history. It is funny how people remember words from people such as these, yet many do not know the greatest last words ever spoken. These words came from Jesus Christ as he was being crucified. Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” These words of forgiveness sum up the life of Jesus and why God sent him to this earth.

                Jesus spoke about forgiveness because forgiveness is something we all need. He said these last words while thinking of each and every one of us, not just to the people who were crucifying him. Jesus knew that we were going to be put on this earth and he thought of us as he asked God to forgive us. See we are all born into a life of sin and without asking for forgiveness from God we fall away from him and choose not to be saved. Jesus forgives us for any sin we have committed. Just as Jesus forgives us, he expects us to live like him and forgive others. At times it is difficult, but forgiveness is a key aspect to a strong relationship with God. Why should we forgive each other though? There are three easy answers to that question:

               1.  Forgiveness is a pattern we all need to live.
Forgiveness comes from out own personal will. Each of us has the will to forgive, but it is you as a person that chooses if you will forgive. We must live a life of forgiveness to be free and fully receive Christ. Colossians 3:13, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of your have grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

               2.  Jesus has forgiven us.
Give all of the hurt to Jesus. He will help you to forgive that person and everything will be so much easier. When God helps you to forgive, just as he has forgiven us, it is so much more powerful. Matthew 5:43-44, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

               3.  Forgiveness has reward. 
Forgiveness is such a freeing experience. When you don't forgive there is a heavy weight that is placed on your heart. Forgiveness will lift that off. When you forgive others, your own sins are forgiven. Matthew 6:14-16, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

                 Forgiveness allows us to focus on future chapters in our life. Holding a grudge makes us rely on our past. Our future is more important than what happened in our past. Jesus died on the cross to forgive you so you could have the power to forgive. Without forgiveness our life is full of emptiness. Only Jesus’s blood can drive away the emptiness in our lives. We all need forgiveness.

                Let’s pray, “Jesus, forgive me for I have sinned against you. Forgive me so that I may forgive others. Fill me with your love and holy-spirit. Make me more like you. Let your light shine through me. Forgive me Lord. In your name I pray, Amen.”

For the week, Ephesians 4:32, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."