Forgiveness that Sets the World Free

As Jesus hung on the cross—mocked, beaten, abandoned—He didn't lash out. He didn't call all of heaven's angel armies down to destroy those persecuting and crucifying Him, even though He had the power and authority to do so. Jesus didn't curse His enemies. He did not choose retaliation for the pain and agony He was in. He prayed, "Father, forgive them…" In that moment, He modeled the kind of forgiveness that would become the heartbeat of the gospel. The forgiveness extended to you and me—the ones He came to die for.

Forgiveness isn't natural—it's supernatural. It's a decision empowered by grace. We see that in Christ's example. In the moments when suffering and sorrow cry out for relief through retaliation, God asks us to follow His Son's model of holy surrender. Trusting that God will take our pain and purposefully redeem it for a better ending ultimately enables us to allow the gospel to work in our lives. When we forgive, we reflect the very character of Christ. And in doing so, we release others, and ourselves, into healing and wholeness.

Jesus beautifully depicted the depth of His love for humanity in His death, but He shared the heart of His Father when He chose mercy and compassion despite the excruciating pain. Although He was perfect and without sin, He was still fully man with all the emotions and pains of human existence. His power at that moment was in His resolve to finish the work He came for. His mission: bring forgiveness and reconciliation to a hurting, sin-filled, broken world so we can be one with Him again. His forgiveness set the world free.

He bridged the gap and gave us the ability, by the power of His Holy Spirit, to do the same. To live like Him, reflect Him, and be transformed more and more into His likeness. God's heart has always been for forgiveness and mercy, not judgment. Whether or not the offender chooses repentance and reconciliation is something else. But regardless, we have a good and loving Savior who helps us learn to forgive as He did, so that freedom becomes attainable.

Reflection: What’s one area you feel led by God to release forgiveness in? How can you reflect Christ in that decision?

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for the forgiveness You gave on the cross. You chose mercy in the face of pain, surrender in the face of suffering, and love in the face of hate. Help me to follow Your example and forgive even when it’s hard.

Holy Spirit, empower me to release what I cannot carry. Heal the places wounded by bitterness and fill them with Your peace. Teach me to reflect Your heart—to be kind, compassionate, and free.

Heavenly Father, I surrender the offense, the pain, and the weight. I trust You with justice and with healing. Thank You for setting me free. Help me live released and lead others into that same freedom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This devotional was inspired by Legacy Stone's The Family Conflict Blueprint - A small group curriculum co-written by Laureen Alexa Trujillo and Bill High, CEO and Content developer for Legacy Stone. For more resources on forgiveness, navigating conflict, and curriculums to build lasting families, you can visit: Legacy Stone

For more content by Laureen, please see her additional plans.