Forgive Like Christ - October 22, 2019

Scripture says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

It was the eve of the Crucifixion and Jesus’ final meal with his followers.  Jesus stood up, hung his cloak on a hook, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin.  He washed feet.  Jesus used some of his precious final moments in this silent sacrament of humility.

The disciples pledged to stay with their Master.  But, later that night when the soldiers marched in, the disciples ran out.  When they looked at their feet in shame, they realized Jesus forgave his betrayers before they betrayed him.

Hasn’t he done the same for us?  We each have a basin.  We’ve each been wounded.  But before we knew we needed grace, we were offered it.  This is how happiness happens.