Easter Brings A Powerful Message Of Love And Forgiveness
HE IS RISEN...
You could call this an editorial: Easter is far more than bunnies, colored eggs and consuming copious amounts of chocolates and marshmallows. It is a day of hope, joy and forgiveness. Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah (deliverer or savior) and that He was resurrected from the dead after dying on the cross. His resurrection is believed to be the ultimate turning point in history. It is believed that His death was in humanity’s place, making it possible for humanity to be saved so that they can spend eternity with God.
Unfortunately, many Christians do not understand that it is also the time to renew our faith, to renew Jesus' love for everyone, even those who shouted, "Crucify Him". It is the time of the year to turn a new page in our own lives. As Dr. Martin Luther King said, Easter is a time for new life. “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” - Martin Luther.
Easter occurs at a time when the outdoors beckons. New buds are blooming, animals are coming out of hibernation, birds sing more cheerfully and the world has thrown off the darkness and cold of winter.
Whether Christian or not, this is the time of the year to renew ourselves to being the human we are meant to be. To Christians, Easter is the time when God showed the world "I love you". To Christians, it should be the time we reflect that love to everyone through forgiveness and mercy.
There are those who would turn Christianity against the world. Our faith is not a political party. Jesus was neither liberal nor conservative in the way that we define them because He came proclaiming a higher reality—the kingdom of God.
It is easier to love those who love you but more difficult to love those who disagree with you or despise you. But yet, that is what Jesus called us to do.
Jesus was, for the most part, apolitical. There were a number of political factions in his time, but there is no evidence he joined or supported any of them. The aim of His mission on earth was the "kingdom of God".
May we all, believer or non-believer, use Easter as a time to renew ourselves and our society. Let's not let differences separate us. Let us not listen to those who tell us one group of people are better than another.
There are so much hate, division, dishonor and destruction in our world today. There has been throughout history, but today's internet and social media have allowed for it to spread like a disease.
If we want to truly understand what Jesus wants us to be we only need to turn to the Beatitudes from the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5: 3-9), which is not liberal or conservative, it is Godly:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Whether we identify right, center, left or apolitical, how we live Easter and the entire year should be reflected by Matthew 7: 1–5:
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
We should use Easter as the starting point for living live as described in Romans 12: 10-16:
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
It is good advice, whether Christian or not.
HE IS RISEN INDEED! Happy Easter.
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