It doesn’t rain a whole lot in Phoenix where I live. If we get 9 inches of rain in one year, that’s a wet year. There are some places in the U.S. that receive 9 inches of rain in just one day. So, we Phoenicians know what’s like to live in an arid and dry climate. When it does rain, even a fraction of an inch, people lose their minds. They drive crazy. They complain incessantly. They become paralyzed and can’t go to school or work. Of course, I’m exaggerating, but not much. In fact, we have a “stupid motorist” law on the books. It states that “any motorist who becomes stranded after driving around barricades to enter a flooded stretch of roadway may be charged for the cost of their rescue.” Who does that? Many apparently because they just don’t know how dangerous floodwaters can be and they’re in a hurry. The indication is that if they knew better, they wouldn’t do it.
2000 years ago, Jesus hung on a cross to die for all of mankind. He was put there by the Jewish leaders. The execution took place at the hands of the Roman government. But it was the people who cried out “crucify him.” While dying on a cross, Jesus looked over the people, the very ones who hours earlier wanted his death and said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 Clearly, if they had known what Jesus clearly showed…that He is the Messiah, the Holy One, God in the flesh, they would not have wanted His death.
Here’s one of many applications. Cut people some slack when you can. Many times people who hurt you and I just don’t know any better. You forgiving them doesn’t excuse their behavior, it just releases you and helps bring you peace. Don’t continue to live in the floodwaters of other people’s behavior. Apply the “stupid motorist” law to your own relationships.