The disciples were ready to “go off” on the people of a village they were passing through. The villagers were completely unwelcoming toward them.

“Let’s rain down fire,” the disciples proposed to Jesus.

But, doing some “real-time coaching,” Jesus corrected them immediately. He reminded them what his heart is toward people who reject him and insult him.

He is patient. Forgiving. Willing to turn the other cheek. Just as he had once preached in his Sermon on the Mount as the way to respond to those who hate and hurt.

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?’ But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village” (Luke 9:51-56, NIV).

Do you find that when others hurt you, you hope for immediate justice — like the disciples? Do you expect God to have a short fuse in those situations?

How about when you hurt others? Are you still wishing for speedy retribution? Do you hope that God will have a short fuse with you?

Or do you hope that God will be patient and forgiving?

Remember, Jesus wants us to use the same measure with others that we would want to be used with us. How glad I am that Jesus is patient with me. And I will pray for the Holy Spirit to help me be just as patient with others!

Join me in that prayer?

Lord, today we are celebrating Good Friday. What a great reminder of your patience, forgiveness and love! You paid the ultimate price to earn my forgiveness. Please give me the same patience toward those who sin against me as you have toward me when I sin against you.

Our Bible reading for Friday, April 3 is Numbers 35:1 – 36:13, Luke 9:28-56 and Psalm 40:9-17.

Header image based on "Burning Fuse Macro" by p.Gordon, CC By 2.0