39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Luke 23:39-43
God is a forgiving God. I always say that forgiveness can only be true when we do something about it. It can never be a complete forgiveness if there is no change happening in the "forgivee's" life. This story of the 2 criminals reminds of me of that. The first one, though he was already being "punished" by hanging on that cross, still had selfish thoughts and mocked Jesus. The other guy, as he was being punished on that cross, had remorse and wanted a new life. Then Jesus gave him the blessings that came after the remorse and repentance he had.
We get to choose our forgiveness. For me, I will immediately change my lifestyle as drastic as it can be to honor my Father in heaven. I will also be keen to how I deal with people. Not unwise but knowing how to react to them. Jesus didn't talk back to the 1st criminal. Jesus already knew what was going to happen to him so he didnt bother dealing with people that don't want to change. I will do the same. I will do my best to bring them to Christ and lead them to God's will but if there is no "remorseful" actions, I can't do any thing anymore. I'll offer it to God.
Lord, I will trust in you for every situation that I face. Bless my friends and family who do not know you or walk with you. I pray that you will use me, that I will be bold in sharing the faith that I have and move on to those who may not accept your message. Help me to react the way you did that I may be a testimony to them. Thank you for your perfect example of humility. I lift my life to you in Jesus' name, Amen.
