They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him:
THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Scripture tells us that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Let the reality of that verse settle in. Christ died for you before you even knew Him. The cross is the place where God most clearly tells us what He thinks of sinners: “I would rather die than live without you.”
Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done. Jesus always sees more than our mistakes. He sees a person created in the image of God who can be redeemed from his or her past no matter how terrible.
Write down those areas you want to experience the forgiveness of Christ. Reflect on Christ’s words of forgiveness.
When you are ready, crumple up the paper and throw it in the rubbish bin, representing God’s forgiveness.
Pray: God of mercy and compassion, thank You for Your forgiveness. May I not take this wonderful pardon for granted. Help me to walk as truly forgiven, and to live out of this new freedom. Strengthen me to forgive those who have wronged me as well. I find it difficult to forgive others, and even myself. Help me to learn from the example of my crucified Lord how to truly forgive. I ask this through Christ my Lord. Amen.