Upside Down
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34 ESV)
Forgiveness
The more advanced human society becomes, the less willing we seem to be to freely forgive. Atonement becomes confused with Punishment. Revenge and getting even become confused with justice. Restoration becomes confused with winning.
But Christ shows us something different. He forgives us not because we have proven our repentance, but because He pays our penalty. He forgives us not because we are sorry enough, but because He loves enough. He forgives us not because we know the depth of our terrible sin, but because He DOES know the depth of our terrible sin.
Christ alone forgives forgivingly.
And that turns the world of revenge, punishment, and getting even upside down.
We who follow Jesus can display an astonishing gospel when we do the same thing.
Forgive first, not after. Forgive eagerly, not grudgingly. Forgive unabashedly, nor reservedly.
Forgive like Jesus, and turn your world upside down.