2013 marked the final year in the life of one of the world’s most influential leaders: Nelson Mandela. Held in prison for 27 years, he bravely stood against the oppressive rule of Apartheid. The day he was released from jail, Mandela was quoted as saying “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”
Freedom. Real freedom. Have you ever experienced it? Have you ever been imprisoned by those feelings that could have easily trapped Nelson Mandela?
Bitterness. Hatred.
Feelings that if left unchecked can place a cage over our life… subjecting us to years of cruel imprisonment. When we let them overwhelm us, we torture ourselves… poisoned by our own unwillingness to move on. Ephesians 4:31 tells us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger…” How do we do that? Discover the key to the cell… Forgiveness. Not forgetfulness. Not acting like it didn’t happen. Not pretending that everything is erased. Just forgiving those that caused the pain… releasing the revengeful heart so that you can walk into the sunlight of the rest of your life. Forgiveness isn’t for them. They may not have asked for it or even deserve it. It’s for you. It’s your opportunity to get past your past… to learn from the pain… and experience the freedom that comes from following Christ’s example.
