The Face of Forgiveness...
Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, has captivated millions of viewers for hundreds of years. This fifteenth-century Italian skillfully captured the facial expressions of Jesus and His disciples. There’s an interesting story behind those faces. You may have heard the account, but it’s worth repeating.
Just as da Vinci was about to start working on The Last Supper, he had a bitter quarrel with a fellow painter. Leonardo was so angry and resentful that he decided to paint the face of the hated artist onto the face of Judas—the disciple who betrayed Christ. This face was one of the first he competed.
Later, when he tried to paint the face of Jesus, he lost all inspiration. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t make any progress.
Leonardo finally realized that his mental block and loss of creativity was caused by his unresolved resentment toward his fellow artist. So he forgave the other painter, then proceeded to repaint the face of Judas so that he no longer looked like his enemy.
When he went back to work on the face of Jesus, he was inspired again. And the success of that depiction had been recognized through the centuries.
Leonardo da Vinci experienced both the bondage of anger and the freedom of resolving it. By letting go of his resentment, the destructive power of his anger was broken.
That’s really what it means to forgive someone.
My friend, let me urge you to bring your emotions to God. Tell Him about the situation.
As you put into words whatever is causing your resentment, explain to God exactly how you feel. Confessing your anger opens the door for Him to heal your wounds and enables you to exchange anger for love.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ god forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31, 32).
Think about someone you resent. Ask God to forgive you for harboring this bitterness in your heart. Next, go to the person and ask for forgiveness. Then, let the resentment go. Move forward and remember the hurt no longer.
By Vonette Bright, My Heart in His Hands
Copyright ©2022 Bright Media Foundation
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