As Easter approaches, we rightly celebrate the Resurrection and the reality that Jesus claimed the victory over the grave. That sealed the reality that Jesus was the Messiah. Without the Resurrection He would not have been the Son of God and everything He said would have little impact. However, because He rose from the grave, we know death no longer has a hold on us and we have eternal life awaiting us. Indeed, we should rejoice about and celebrate the Resurrection throughout the year.
In thinking of the Resurrection, I can’t help but think about what took place on Friday, Good Friday, the day He was crucified on that cruel cross. Jesus took our sin upon Himself, and for the first-time experienced separation from His Father. Jesus did not do anything wrong; we did! He didn’t deserve to die but He chose to die in our place to pay the price for our sins. We are forgiven because He shed His precious blood and satisfied the penalty for sin. Justice was served, but mercy and grace have been extended to all those who turn to Him for forgiveness.
In light of the fact that we have been forgiven so much the least we can do is to forgive others. No wrong has been done to us that was greater than what was done to Jesus because of our sins. Are you going to be the ungrateful servant that was forgiven so large a debt but can’t forgive the small debt someone owes you? Unforgiveness will hinder your fellowship with God. Unforgiveness will eat you up from the inside out and will rob you of joy.
If we really stop and think about it, PRIDE is the main thing that keeps people from being willing to forgive. “You don’t know what they did to me!” “They don’t deserve my forgiveness!” “They need to pay for what they did!” All of those things are probably true, but they are also true of us before God. God knows what I did, I don’t deserve forgiveness, and I should pay for my sin, nevertheless He chose to pay the price for me. I am forgiven by His amazing grace.
As you celebrate the Resurrection this month, don’t lose sight of the forgiveness you have through Christ. Also make sure you have an attitude of forgiveness for others in light of the mercy and grace you have been shown in Christ.
Dan