Open up your Bible and read Matthew 27.  Check out the video link to Christ’s crucifixion as well.

The Crucifixion: Christ suffered. Have you ever pondered the pain He must have had to endure? I did a little research on crucifixion via a web site put out by the Mayo Clinic that you might find intriguing. Check it out here:   http://www.frugalsites.net/jesus/crucifixion.htm. Jesus was flogged, pummeled, beaten, kicked, spat on, defaced, laughed at, and ridiculed by the Roman soldiers yet He found it in His heart to utter these memorable words before He died: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing” (Luke 23: 34). The same ruthless soldiers who belittled Him emotionally and physically, the same men whom most would love to hate, are being shown mercy.

Who deserves our love and forgiveness? Are there any exceptions in life? Whether it be the colleague we can’t stand or the aggravating student that gets under our skin like a burning rash, everyone deserves our mercy. Ephesians 4: 32 states, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”  This is the time of year when our “high-flyers” truly begin to get antsy for summer, even dragging a few middle of the road students along with them for the ride.  The next time you are tempted to let anger get the best of you, just wait.  Calm yourself.  Pray for that kid, that colleague, that crazy parent, or whomever it may be in your head, trusting that the situation is in God’s hands.  If Christ can forgive those soldiers, we can forgive our own adversaries.