(Luke 23:34 NKJV) Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.
Jesus set a perfect example for us as to how we should be toward all people; Forgiving.
I used to have an office position. My boss’s father would come in every day. He would come in and tell nasty jokes, using vulgar language, knowing that I didn’t find them humorous at all. And they were very offensive. He would laugh, thinking it was funny.
I used to sit at my desk and cringe every time he would say the Lord’s name in vain. I would let him say what he wanted, and share the nasty jokes and the bad language, but when it came to the Lord’s name in vain I would speak up in a kind way and say to him, “why do you have to use His name that way? He didn’t do anything to hurt you.” He would just glare at me and not say a word.
This went on for years. I was kind to this man, no matter what. I felt compassion for him even though I never saw any change in his behavior. The day came when it was time to move on from that job.
As years went by I heard that this man was in the hospital. Not knowing for sure if he would want me to visit him, I felt I needed to go. So I went to the hospital. There, lying in the bed, he looked old and weak.
As I walked into the room, I jokingly said, “What are you doing here?” He looked up and said to me very seriously, “I’m dying.” I said “you are, huh? And where are you going, Heaven or Hell?” Looking scared, he said, “I don’t know.”
I asked him if he would like to hear a story and he very calmly said, “Yes.” I knew it was my turn to share Jesus Christ. That day, the man who was so haughty, loud, obnoxious and rude to me and my Savior, accepted and received Him into His heart. He was healed and went home from the hospital and lived many more years.
In order for that man to ever hear me or the story I had to share with him, I had to be able to hear him, to forgive him and pray for him, in spite of the things he did to me.
Forgive them, for they do not know what they do.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808
401-315-0902
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