Read Matthew 9:1-8
“But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house” (v. 6).
Forgiveness is often controversial. Scandalous, even. When one chooses to forgive, many people do not understand, do not agree, and may even attack the forgiver. “They need to pay for what they did!” “People need to know what kind of person he is!” “You need to teach her a lesson!”
Jesus was certainly attacked for His radical forgiveness. He was criticized for associating with people of shady reputation. “Doesn’t He know who that is? Doesn’t He know what they have done?”
Of course He knew. He still knows. He still sees the depth of the depravity in each of our hearts. And His forgiveness still reaches deeper than the cancer of sin can ever go. (Karen Speak)
From the depth of sin and sadness
To the heights of joy and gladness
Jesus lifted me, in mercy full and free.
With His precious blood He bo’t me;
When I knew Him not, He sought me,
And in love divine He ransomed me. — Julia H. Johnston
Choose to forgive even when you disagree.
This is the Monday, October 27, 2014 devotional reading of Opening the Word.
Photo credit: "Asking for Forgiveness" by Vic used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped.