How Can I Forgive...Vera Sinton

Imagine some of the things you would find most difficult to forgive.

• injustice carried out for cynical political ends
• the jealous destruction of a man because of his good influence over others
• being betrayed for money by someone you trusted
• desertion by a close com[anion at the moment of danger, denying all knowledge of you
• beating someone up for a bit of fun
• allowing an obviously innocent man to be sentenced to one of the most cruel deaths ever devised
• standing and jeering at a person in excruciating pain

Jesus, God's son, was the only sinless person who has ever lived. While all these things were happening to Jesus, he was loving the people involved, offering friendship to the one who betrayed Him, warning his companions of danger ahead. He gently challenged the governor who sentenced him. He openly prayed for the soldiers who nailed his hands and feet to a cross, 'Father forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.'
At the climax of it all he was bearing the full penalty of all the sin committed by people down the centuries. He experienced what it felt like to be out of touch with God, as you and I are. He cried, 'Why have you forsaken me?'
God responded with a unique demonstration of his power over the universe. He raised his Son to life again. Jesus met his followers again and gave them good news to pass on: the offer of forgiveness and new life lived in love with God.
The forgiveness God offers us is not a cheap and easy one.
The philosopher sneered, 'God will forgive. It is his business.'
The cross of Jesus Christ tells another. story. God poured out his heart in costly love, sending his beloved Son to die for you and me. He invites you to turn to him and say, 'I am sorry for my sin. I believe Jesus died for me. Please forgive me and make me your son or daughter again.'
But realize, if you take that step, you are also committing yourself to forgive.