As I sit here this afternoon thinking about Easter, I can't get a couple traits of human nature off my mind. We are, by nature, selfish, grudge holding beings. We make many decisions based solely on what it means for us, without even considering others. We sometimes forgive, but we rarely forget. Is that what Christ asked of us? Does that sound like a message of Easter to you?
In the events surrounding what we call the Easter Story is a selfless, forgiving Savior. A man who took a beating at the hands of men whom later he forgave. A man who could have, at any point, called it quits and left us in danger of an eternity of hell. A man who bent His will to the will of the Father because of his love for me.
In Easter, I see the unconditional love and forgiveness that Christ also asks of us. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and Love your neighbor as yourself (Matt 22:37-38). And Christ also said, "If you forgive those who sin against you, then my Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, my Father will not forgive your sins." (Matt 6:14-15)
As we approach Resurrection Sunday, I challenge all who read this to love and forgive. If you are reading this, please know I love you and if you have done anything against me, I do forgive you. I ask that if I have wronged you in some way, that you find room for forgiveness as well.
Christ the Lord is RISEN. We serve a LIVING Savior! God bless you! Have an amazing Easter!
