Forgive

Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)

These are very powerful words and words that always have made me think. Jesus is on his deathbed and he forgives people for the unjust trial that he went through, the teasing and torture and finally for putting him to death in the most embarrassing way- hanging naked on a cross. For me this has always been the proof of Jesus’ love for us. He could have saved himself on the cross, and walked away. He chose to do his fathers will, and die for our sins and bring salvation to us. How hard it must have been hanging on the cross with all the humiliation and pain, and knowing that he can just walk away.

When I was a child, I used to be mad at the Romans and Jews for killing Jesus. Later I was not mad at them. They had to kill Jesus. It was part of the plan. If Jesus was not killed, then he couldn’t rise again from the dead. Then I thought if I lived back then, would I be the Roman that hammered nails in Jesus’ body or will I be the Jew that torments Jesus. It is easy to say that I wouldn’t. But I think I would. Nothing makes me better than the people that lived back then, so why shouldn’t I be pressured by the group and hurt Jesus as much as possible. Even if Jesus lived today, I would probably make a joke about him and not believe a word he says, unless he can prove it.

Jesus taught us a lesson right to the end. I think that the ability to forgive is one of the greatest Christian virtues we have. I ruined my marriage that led to a divorce, and my wife never forgave me for ruining her romantic dream. She considers herself a huge Christian. Her inability to forgive shook the foundation of my faith. One reason I do this blog is to find out what I believe in.

Would Jesus have forgiven us today? We have atheists and other religions that laugh and still try to humiliate Jesus and all he stands for. Our morality would put the Romans and Jews to shame. At least they had a certain amount of morality. In today’s world, it is everything goes, as long as your not caught. The big question is would Jesus forgive us today? I believe that he would. His love for us knows no bounds. Lets face it; it is nice knowing that we can be forgiven if we ask for it. I definitely hope that Jesus will forgive all my sins.

But as I said, can we be forgiven if we refuse to forgive people that does wrong to us?

give siently to others

For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Luke 18:25)

These are very strong words that come from Jesus. They are almost depressing. How do we define a rich man? Is he a millionaire or is he a worker that has enough to eat. Sure I can understand that the poor in Africa has a hard enough life on earth, so with a bit of faith it will be easier for them that gets to heaven. But why should I be discriminated against? It’s not my fault that I have enough money.
What does rich actually mean? We can give all our money away and be poor. But is that what Jesus wants? I doubt it. I think that Jesus does mean that rich is anyone that has enough money. He thinks that it is our responsibility to remember the poor. Even this is not easy. We hear of Charities that only 10% of their donations goes to poor. This has turned many people off of giving to charity. At the same time we have seen human compassion in international catastrophes such as the Haiti and New Orleans. Is this what Jesus wants? Human compassion! I think the result would be to help take care of our neighbours as well as people across the world that needs our help.
There is no excuse. Never before has news been so quick. We can follow an event on the other side of the world within minutes. This means that we have a responsibility to help people in need. Especially when they have no roof over their head or no food. We have a choice and think it’s the local government’s duty, or we can send some aid. If you look at Jesus’ statement above, it is important to remember that we have to think with modern eyes. Maybe there is not a leper at every street corner, and the majority of developed nations have social welfare. But there are many developing countries that needs or support.
Lastly it is important to remain pure in mind. We should not polish or wings because we have given charity. We should not boast to everyone that we have given. The best is to give silently, as well as pray for the poor and people that need aid.

The Last Day

And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. (Luke 21:8)

This quote has always made me laugh. If we refuse to follow anyone that says he is Jesus, then what happens when the real Jesus comes to announce the end of the world?

We are in a world that has many people that proclaim that they know the Bible so well, that they can be Jesus’ right hand. We have religions that announce the last day. How many people in history have given their life savings away because they would not use it on the last day. There are rumours going around that 2012 is the last year. I suppose someone has to guess the right day sometime. But until then, we should accept TV evangelists or religions such as the Jehovah Witnesses with their prediction of the last day.

Lets be honest. Human beings are easy to fool. We do not understand God. We do not understand Jesus and especially the Holy Spirit. We do not understand religions and we do not understand the Bible. This makes it easy for someone that proclaims that he understands the Bible back and forth, and knows the will of God. Sects and even religions are built on someone believing to have a special connection with God, and understanding more than we do. People follow blindly, leaving their family and friends, and giving everything to this so-called Jesus expert.

How do we protect ourselves? We must build our faith. This simply means that we must improve our relationship with God. We must try to understand what God expects of us, we must accept what God offers us, and we must understand what it means to be a Christian.

If we have a strong faith, then no one can come and tell us that their answer is better