1 John 2:1-6 KJV 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

When life deals you a bad hand it can take years to forgive a situation or person. It take months for full forgiveness to even come. It can time for the initial wound to heal, along with the initial pain of hurt comes the hurt from memories. Simple fact it not easy to forgive nor is it easy to begin the process. God out trumps us when it comes to forgiveness. He even provides us with an advocator(lawyer). One that forgave us of our sin while on the cross. Jesus cried, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." He forgave even in the mist of his pain. I for one have ability to forgive just like everyone else, but for Jesus to forgive during the pain, is even greater then any forgiveness or repentance I could ever give. It is much easier to forgive when time has past, but Christ did before the pain was gone. Luke took note to put this in his gospel, about forgiveness. Maybe if nothing else to remind us of God's plan of redemption since creation. A reminder God had a plan for salvation. God word tells us of his love. but also tells us how to live. He tells us to obey His word and to live according to His word. If we love God and Christ we will keep His commandments.If we follow in truth of God's word we keep His commandments We then are abiding in his word. I live in the real world, and I realize not all will obey God 100% of their salvation life. In fact we must learn to obey and strive to obey God. When we fail we confess our faults to each other and to God. There is no more punishment for sin in the since of eternity, however there maybe a punishment for sin on earth. Cops bang on your door and arrest you then I guarantee your going to jail for something you did, unless proven innocent. Point being strive to live for God not to revenge your enemy. Forgive your enemy even before he repents. It may take time to heal. It may take time to learn obedience to God. It make time to learn forgiveness, but Christ already forgave you, you just have to receive His forgiveness. Our sin nailed Jesus to the cross of Calvary. Our sin caused His death. God caused His resurrection and gave us the hope of eternity with Him. Dear Heavenly help us to forgive even before someone ask. Help us to love knowing how much you love us by sending your Son to die for our sins. Thank you Jesus for being full payment for eternal damnation. In Jesus precious name, Amen. Continual Scripture Study for Devotion:Luke 23:34 KJV Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. http://www.turtle30cshell.com