Nobody likes to find out they have been swindled. At least I haven’t met that person.
And yet, recent revelation has made it clear to me that many of us live in a perpetual con of “bait and switch” to the point the bible calls us slaves to the con-man. (Romans 6:6-11)
Has it ever bothered you when you read Matthew 6:14 which tells us if we forgive others, God will forgive us? It’s OK if your answer is yes. I have fallen for the bait and switch multiple times myself.
I’ve written previously about part of “the con” the enemy sells us about unforgiveness that somehow unforgiveness is the only way to protect our own hearts.
But this Easter morning I’ve had new revelation of a facet of this bait and switch.
Forgiveness provides peace with God. (Ephesians 4:32, Romans 5:1). Forgiveness provides peace with myself. Forgiveness provides peace with those in my world. How many of you would welcome peace in your life?
That’s why we are instructed we must forgive others – God wants peace for us in all its fullness. That is not possible without forgiveness, i.e., being at peace with those around us.
Forgiveness delivers us from the power of evil at work in our life that tells us only unforgiveness can keep us safe and at peace. Sounds good … but take a closer look. The person toward whom we direct unforgiveness is free to walk away at any time. Our unforgiveness does not imprison them, it imprisons us. It owns us and directs our choices and steps. It becomes our master and we its slave. Talk about bait and switch!
Don’t despair … even the Apostle Paul wrote … “And I know the Lord will continue to rescue me from every trip, trap, snare, and pitfall of evil and carry me safely to His heavenly kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:18) Woooooo hoooooo! Now there’s a reason to hope!
Hope Without Limits 