Forgiveness

What made Jesus authentic to some was not his resurrection, it was his wounds.

Think of Thomas' words, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Friday's death can never be separated from Sunday's resurrection.

For although Jesus forgave humankind for the betrayal, torture, and death, he still bares the wounds.

Forgiveness does not take the memory or the wound away.

Forgiveness means there won't be retaliation. It means the enemy is loved.

Forgiveness is not a trite expression or offering. The one giving it is laying down their life again. Forgiveness means there will be no eye for an eye. The cycle of retaliation is finished and it is complete love which breaks the cycle of violence.

The forgiver is saying to the one who inflicted the wound, "You are free of my judgement. Although I'll bear these scars my whole life, I'll welcome you into relationship."

Do you ever wonder if the wounds inflicted on Jesus were still physically painful on Sunday and beyond?

I can't imagine they wouldn't be. And yet, even with the painful reminder of the offence, he loves anyway.

True, there is no greater love given than a person lay down their life for a friend... even if that friend betrayed, tortured, and killed him.

Perfect Love. Perfect Man. Perfect God.

We are loved more than we can ever know.