Read Luke 23:13-34

Corrie Ten Boom was a young Dutch woman who was imprisoned and suffered horrible things in the Ravensbruck concentration camp during World War II.

After telling her survival story one night in Germany after the war, a guard from Ravensbruck made his way down the aisle. He shared how after the war he had given his life to Christ and how God had forgiven him for all of the terrible things he had done. Then he asked Corrie if she would forgive him as well. As all of the horrible images flashed through her mind, she was reminded of the forgiveness that Christ had offered her. Slowly, she took his hand and offered him forgiveness.

Followers of Jesus are called to forgive others, regardless of the offense because Jesus made forgiveness possible by His death on the cross…

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there… Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:33-34 NIV

This life is hard and people make mistakes, but Jesus own life teaches that forgiveness is more important than who is right or taking revenge. How can you accept God’s forgiveness for yourself but not give it away to others?

Who is someone that you need to forgive?

What is keeping you from offering this forgiveness?

Dear Jesus, thank You for forgiving me of all of my sins with Your death on the cross. Give me the courage to forgive others as You have forgiven me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(This devotion first appeared in the periodical Take 5 Plus.)