You Must Do This

Every one of us has things we must do. Our lists are often extensive, sometimes exhausting, occasionally frustrating and too often unpleasant. These never ending to-do lists often drive us to seek relief in any way possible and can certainly set us up for failure and unplanned consequences. The last thing we often want is one more thing to do.

There is however a "one more thing" that is absolutely critical for all believers in the person of Jesus Christ. Yet unlike our dreaded to-do list, this one more thing will actually bring us freedom like nothing else we can do. This one more thing is called forgiveness. Forgiveness is God's key to freedom. If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you already know the freedom from having to pay the penalty for your sins. But that's just the beginning of what forgiveness does for us.

Forgiving others, even when they don't deserve it, frees us from the bondage of bitterness. Charles Stanley once said that bitterness is a poison we concoct for someone else and wind up drinking ourselves. Is it any wonder that when Peter asked Jesus if he should forgive his brother up to seven times, he responded that he should forgive seven times seventy (Matthew 18:21-22)? From the cross, Our Savior interceded on behalf of those who were scorning and mocking him by praying "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). To those who have wronged us, we must do exactly the same.

I can speak from personal experience as to the power of forgiving others; especially to those who did nothing to try and reconcile. They don't deserve forgiveness just like I don't deserve to be forgiven for my sins. But Jesus did it anyway. We are never more like Him than when we extend mercy and grace to others. To the undeserving. Just like us. You must do this.