Day 1: The Embrace of ForgivenessJesus’ words on the cross were Words of Forgiveness.Luke 23:34: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.Because of the finished work on The Cross, We can proclaim the Words of Jesus from The Cross over our life and affirm that We are forgiven!The Power of ForgivenessIn the quiet moments of contemplation, we turn our hearts to a scene of profound pain and ultimate sacrifice—the Cross. Here, amidst the tumult of a world not fully understood, Jesus uttered words that echo through the ages, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."Let us pause and reflect: What does it mean to speak forgiveness in the face of betrayal? To offer pardon where there is pain? In His final breaths, Jesus showed us the boundless depth of divine love—a love that forgives even when forgiveness seems unfathomable.Today, we are invited to stand at the foot of the Cross, to witness not only an act of redemption but also a call to live in the freedom of forgiveness. The Cross is not merely a symbol of sacrifice; it is a beacon of forgiveness that illuminates the darkest corners of our hearts.Proclaiming Jesus' Words Over Our LivesIn our journey, we may stumble, weighed down by our shortcomings and the complexity of life's challenges. Yet, in the shadow of the Cross, we find solace in the words, "Father, forgive them." These words are not locked in the past; they are a living, breathing promise for us today.Proclaim the Words of Jesus over your life. Speak them into your struggles and let them wash over your wounds. "Father, forgive them," becomes a mantra of release from the chains of resentment, a step towards healing, and an embrace of peace.As we accept this forgiveness, we also learn to extend it—to others and to ourselves. Forgiveness is the key to unlocking the fullness of love, the path to restoring broken relationships, and the means to find peace amidst turmoil.Affirmation of ForgivenessWith gratitude, we affirm: We are forgiven. This truth is our foundation and our freedom. It is not our perfection but His grace that defines us. We can let go of guilt and grasp onto grace. For at the Cross, mercy was completed, and love's true cost was revealed.In this sacred space, let us commit to carrying the message of the Cross into our daily lives. May we be vessels of forgiveness, advocates of mercy, and examples of the love shown to us. For in doing so, we honor the finished work on the Cross and live out the transformative power of forgiveness.PrayerDear Father,In awe, we come before the Cross, humbled by the magnitude of Your love and forgiveness. Help us to truly understand the weight of Jesus' words, to internalize them, and to live them out each day. May we be reflections of Your grace, carrying the light of forgiveness into the world. Amen.Carry this devotion with you as a reminder of the liberating power of forgiveness that Jesus bestowed upon us all from the Cross. May it guide your steps and renew your spirit.As we fast and pray, may these devotionals for the next seven days bring us into an awesome wonder of Jesus, Our Lord, God, and King! The Seven Powerful Proclamations of Jesus on The Cross:Day 1: The Embrace of ForgivenessLuke 23:34: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.Day 2: Assurance of SalvationLuke 23:43: Verily, I say unto you today, thou shalt be with me in paradise.Day 3: The Tapestry of Relationship John 19:26–27: Woman, behold thy son. (Says to disciple) Behold thy mother.Day 4: Never ForsakenMark 15:34: My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?Day 5: Quenched by His SacrificeJohn 19:28: I thirst.Day 6: The Victory ProclaimedJohn 19:30: It is finished.Day 7: The Promise of EternityLuke 23:46: Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.Download the OGC Church App from www.ogcnj.com for more. Text the keyword “OGCGrace” (no quotes, no spaces, and mixed case, case sensitive) to 973.310.5665 to receive daily words of encouragement and special devotionals.