Sometimes the message is so simple we just completely ignore it. In the words of Christ from John 15:9-12 we find a compelling plea that we simply do not need to brush off. Just vision Christ standing before you and saying these words:
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”
How do we remain in the love of Christ? Christ continues:
“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
Then He reaches the climax of this plea with these words:
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
In Christ, it is so much easier to love than it is to hate. It is easier to forgive than it is to live with the burden of the grudge. Forgiveness frees the one who forgives and brings peace and joy to the heart. Refusing to forgive brings a heavy burden that it has to be lifted and carried everyday. When you see someone that has wronged you, you have to make a conscious decision in your mind to be angry or just simply to ignore or to take revenge. This becomes tiresome and blocks the joy that Christ wants you to have.
“Remain in my love” so that “My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” This joy begins with forgiveness.
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane