Date: November 19, 2017
Bible Text: Luke 23:32-37 | Pastor Keith Bergstrom
Series: The Limit of Forgiveness
God modeled forgiveness when, in love, He sent Jesus to earth (John 3:16-17). Jesus gave His life in order to forgive us (Matthew 26:28; Romans 10:13). Jesus’ forgiveness is so radical He even asked His Father to forgive those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34)! Forgiveness isn’t justice, it’s mercy. The people who crucified Jesus didn’t deserve it, but He gave it just the same. Relationships thrive when the person that was hurt extends mercy, grace and forgiveness (Romans 5:20).
Christians are not challenged to only be nice to nice people, they are called to be like God. Healthy relationships thrive only amid mercy, grace and forgiveness!