He extended his hands to be nailed into place. He looked his executioners in the eye. As close as they were, his Father and ours was closer still. To him, he spoke kind words about those who nailed down his healing hands. To him, he sought forgiveness for those who gambled for his clothes. To him, he sought salvation for those who secured those beautiful feet that had carried the good news to anyone, everyone, and to these hard men carrying out this soul-slaying assignment.

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭43‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.23.43.NLT

Jesus gently saves.

In a moment where every breath was precious and drawn with difficulty, Jesus spoke words of assurance. In a moment where every nerve in his body felt like an unending bolt of lightning, Jesus welcomed home one last sinner. In a moment where his heartbeats slowed to the point of finality, he took to heart one more lost sheep blissfully saved from the wolves of hell.

Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭46‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.23.46.NLT

Jesus gently died so that we may truly live.

His final breath formed a shout of triumph and committal. His final breath made possible the fresh breath of heaven for every soul redeemed. His final breath assures us all that Jesus paid it all, and that peace with God is possible.

Jesus is gentle. Jesus is kind. Jesus is the Savior of our souls. (NLT)

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I will live a kind and gentle life offering the good news of Jesus to every lost soul.

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Our Father, in this world where everyone shouts and shoves, make me ever-more gentle and kind. In this world where every person stands in need of your forgiving grace, place your words of truth and life in my mouth. In this world where might seems right, use me to show your heavenly alternative. Amen.