“And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.” ‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭2‬-‭3, ‭NKJV‬‬.

Jesus felt the pricks from that crown of thorns from the people He came to save. Yet, he still chose to wear it, to endure it, to forgive, redeem, and restore us.

That’s how it feels when people wrong you. Yet, understand although unforgiveness may feel empowering by punishing them, the truth is the devil wants to destroy every relationship you have, including with God, with no plan to restore. There is no plan for love, healing, and peace. God-ordained relationships have God-ordained purposes, and don’t allow the pricks to rob you of them. It may be challenging, but through Christ, you can do it. Yes, while you’re hurting. Yes, while you remember the pricks, stand strong like Christ, and still forgive. This is the hour the love of many is waxing cold, but don’t allow it to be for the believer.

Even while on the cross, experiencing far more than the pricking of thorns, Jesus asked the Father to forgive them for they know not what they do. We have no comparison. Keep loving and forgiving. Keep redeeming. Keep restoring like our King did.

Prayer: Selah in God.

Study: John 19:1-6, Luke 23:34, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13