Monday's Musing - Forgiven?

We celebrated Easter this past weekend. 

What's the point? 

Stores sent sales flyers that resembled those of Christmas advertising toys. 

So we're supposed to buy our kids new toys for Easter? Not sure exactly how that came about. Not participating in that. When I was a kid, I was thrilled to just get candy. 

Many people buy new clothes. This makes sense. Change is in the air and it's fun to move from the dark colors of winter to the bright colors of spring. 

Again, what's the point? 

It's to celebrate. 

What, you might ask?  

To celebrate forgiveness. Forgiveness of our sins, mistakes, regrets. 

This forgiveness came in the form of Jesus. He lived, died and rose again. And because of that, we can be made right with God. We can ask for forgiveness and be forgiven. 

Maybe you don't think you need it. 

I know I do. I could have some debilitating regrets without forgiveness.

I am grateful that there is a God who is in control. 

Who walks with me and gives me strength. 

Who loves me. 

But no more than he loves you. 

Who promises us new life, like that of spring. 

Who promises to wash away our sins. 

Who promises not make us pay for them.

Because his son came and took our place. Jesus said on the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." 

Wow.  

Forgive them. 

For they know not what they do. 

No angry rants from Jesus. No curses. No arrogance. 

He willingly died. 

For you. 

For me.

All of our sins can be forgiven. 

Sometimes as believers, we think we've gone too far, should have known better and don't deserve continued forgiveness. So we wallow in our misery. Or beat ourselves up. 

But here's a thought. 

Jesus died before you were born. 

Or before I was born. 

Is there really anything I can do that's outside of his grace and forgiveness? 

No. 

Run to him when you fail. When you sin. When you hurt others. 

Forgiveness awaits us. And the strength to forgive others as we have been forgiven. 

I'm sorry if Christians have seemed self-righteous. I'm sure I've fallen into that category. When we focus on behavior instead of the heart, we can have a false sense of self-rigtheousness. 

Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that we are all sinners. And God loves each of us.

You no more than me and me no more than you. 

Don't let others stand in the way of you being in a loving relationship with God. 

He offers us love and forgiveness. Through Jesus. 

What are you celebrating in your life right now?

Me? 

Forgiveness. 

Restoration of relationships broken by sin. 

God showing me his love during the hard times. 

How about you?