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These words are the expression of God’s saving grace. In this moment we know the universal gift of salvation. Jesus shows us that not even the most painful and cruel rejection of God’s love will stop God from forgiving us and loving us. These words are the ultimate expression of Paul’s words in Romans 8:38-39. “I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.”
The reality is there is something, or someone, who can separate us from the love of God, and it is ourselves. Ephesians 2:8 “We are saved by grace through faith and it is a gift so no one can boast.” Jesus has offered us the gift, but unless we have faith in it, meaning we have a deep belief and trust that it is true, the gift remains unreceived. Even though this gift is in our midst, it has already been given, it cannot bring its healing unless we receive it.
One theologian stated that God could have simply said we are loved, but God chose to be very unambiguous about his saving grace. You are forgiven, meaning you are loved no matter what.
Thoughts to ponder:
How do we define forgiveness?
Forgiveness means you are loved anyway
To forgive is to remember and not be angry
To forgive is to remain committed to the person that allows the space for repentance.
All these messages are contained in Jesus’ words of “Father forgive.”
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Stations of the Cross at Dove of the Desert UMC 