This post was originally written on Ash Wednesday of 2022.
Repent, and believe in the Gospel.
Mark 1:15
As I reflect on the words the deacon said as he placed the ashes on my forehead this morning, I felt Jesus place on my heart the following as well:
That I must turn to Jesus with a contrite heart, desiring purification and holiness.
I must believe in the Good News that Jesus forgives me, loves me, and desires that I do the same to others.
I must spread the Good News that Jesus did not come to condemn, but to save me. To love me, not to reject me. To forgive me, not to judge me unjustly or without mercy. To offer me eternal salvation if I but surrender to Him and:
Repent, and believe in the Gospel.
Mark 1:15
Praise be to Jesus Christ now and always!
As I was meditating this morning I was drawn to this Scripture passage:
Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
Matthew 7:12
It is referred to as the “Golden Rule.” I’ve seen many in many places this is replaced with the “platinum” rule, which essentially says, “Treat others as they would like to be treated.”
As I reflected more on Matthew 7:12, I concluded that, when taking into consideration the deepest desires of our heart, the desires placed in our heart by God, these statements are not incongruent, but rather one and the same.
When I forgive, I become free. I become a vessel of His mercy.
When I forgive, I am emptied of pride, narcissism, resentment, anger, and any desire for revenge. I no longer hold grudges that only weigh me down and take up space in my heart that Jesus wishes to fill with His healing, love, and peace.
But when I withhold forgiveness, I become anxious, fearful, untrusting, and suspicious. I see the world through a negative lens because there is no room for true joy in my soul. The glass is mostly half-empty unless the world and the people around me are on my side. And even when they are, it rarely lasts long, so I inevitably become disappointed. I wallow in self-pity and find solace in misery, welcoming others into this pit of misery through my negative attitude, condemnation, judgment, and criticism of myself and others.
When I am held bound by the chains of unforgiveness, I am no longer free. Free to truly live. Free to truly love. Free to be the “me” Jesus created me to be. Free to live out the true meaning of doing unto “others whatever you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)
But praise God, for now is the time to be healed!
Now is the time to proclaim that Jesus came to set me – and you – free! To release us from slavery to our sins, anxiety, woundedness, misery, and fear.
So this Ash Wednesday, I proclaim with great fervor:
Sons and daughters of the Most High King, repent, believe in the Gospel, and spread this Good News with great joy!