Who Stole my Jellybeans?

“Never forget the three powerful resources you always

have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness.”

- H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Do you remember getting mad at your brother or sister when they bit the ear off of your chocolate bunny? Or what about your friend that ate all of your purple jelly beans? As kids we probably got over it the very next day (if not sooner). I think how silly those “crisis” seem now but somewhere along life’s journey, I’m sure we’ve each held on to something that someone has done to us that we’ve deemed unfair, or unforgiveable!

One of the last things Jesus said while hanging from the cross was, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do” – Luke 23:34. Then He died on a cross to pay for our sins, and on the third day He rose from the grave. Jesus showed us how He obediently walked the path in the plan that God had for Him.

This week as we begin our own personal journey through Holy Week, I’d like to ask you two questions...

1) Is there someone who you need to make peace with?

2) Can you follow Christ’s example and forgive those who have mistreated you?

Forgiveness is the key to serenity, but true peace is hard to find in a bitter mind. If Christ could pray a prayer of forgiveness for those who were putting Him to death, shouldn’t we be able to forgive others who have hurt or mistreated us? Despite what you may be going through today, can you look past your own problems and extend forgiveness to others? Forgiveness does not come easy, but the best reason to forgive is because Jesus commanded us to forgive.

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” - Colossians 3:13

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37

Jesus' dying words on the cross are a powerful example of how you and I ought to treat those who have mistreated us. Are you willing to follow His perfect example in every area of your life? Easter should be more than chocolate bunnies and jellybeans. This year will you make it about forgiveness? Will you extend forgiveness to those who don't deserve it, just like Jesus?

I challenge you to pick up your cross today… and live out the life of forgiveness Christ has given you!

God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

"Blessed are those to whom Easter is not a hunt... but a find;

not a greeting... but a proclamation;

not an outward fashion... but inward grace;

not a day... but an eternity."

- Anderson