At the Table - The People Jesus Spent Time With预览

Forgiving the Broken

Forgiveness is one of the best gifts we can ever receive, yet it oftentimes can be the hardest gift to give to others. In every friendship that we are a part of, there will come a time when we are pushed to the limits. Feelings will be hurt, words will be said that are offensive, and actions will be done or not done that will cause us heartache. When those moments come, there is always a choice to be made. If I was the one hurt, I could either forgive the friend or I can choose to hold onto the bitterness. The same goes the other way as well. When you mess up in a relationship or a friendship, the one who is hurt must make a choice. Will they forgive, or will they hold a grudge?

Forgiveness is key to any working relationship because we are flawed and make mistakes. Although forgiveness can be hard, it is the glue that keeps relationships together. However, forgiveness doesn’t just hold the relationship together; it quite truly strengthens it. When we forgive or are forgiven of any mistake, big or small, we grow in love for the one who has forgiven us.

However, our human forgiveness has limits. It cannot reach into the depths of a person and touch their heart the way that the forgiveness of a Heavenly Father could. Ultimately, only one relationship really matters: our relationship with God. As humans, we have all made big or small mistakes that damage our relationship with God, but he did something to fix that problem; he forgave us. He sent his son Jesus Christ.

Today we are going to look at another meal that Jesus shared with others. When we begin to understand the forgiveness that God has lavished on us through his son Jesus, we are moved to fall at the feet of our Savior and serve Christ in ways that look foolish to those who have not yet understood Christ’s forgiveness. As we continue to look at the meals that Jesus shared with others, we find in Luke 7 that Jesus is a Man of Grace.

Reflect: Have you experienced God’s forgiveness of your sins? Think through and write down some of the things Jesus has forgiven you of. Make the list as long as you can.

Pray: “Jesus, you have forgiven me of more than I deserve. You have shown so much grace to me. Help me to be willing to forgive others and never forget how much you’ve done for me.”