To be emancipated from evil is a great blessing. This is when persons receive a pardon for the wrongs they have done. Amazingly, a pardon is given for great or small sins, and with Christ that should be the end of the matter. It is known however that some people lacking faith will hold on to their guilty feelings, and not believe Christ really has forgiven them. It must be remembered though, that Jesus Christ loves sinners very much. There’s no prejudice with his true love, and he calls sinners to repent. After repentance our guilt is washed away by the power of his Spirit.

William Pollard (1828 – 1893), English Quaker writer and minister, observed, “Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow.” Forgiveness for one’s sins is like what Pollard explained. Although yesterday sins might be forgiven, persons ought to repent often, regardless how good, and well-meaning they are. They do continue to sin and have to ask for forgiveness, again and again.

Miserableness of Affliction

In some way everyone is afflicted. This is only natural since we live by the flesh, but must realize sins are heinous. Christians always have to seek the mercy to God. Their motivation is to receive forgiveness and divine love from him. When they do so, they experience the blessings of the living and forgiving Christ. After forgiveness relief comes upon them, for they do grow in enrichment, and their miserableness is washed away.

Emma Goldman (1869 – 1940), Lithuanian-born anarchist known for her political activism, writing, and speeches, felt, “On rare occasions one does hear of a miraculous case of a married couple falling in love after marriage, but on close examination, it will be found that it is a mere adjustment to the inevitable.” Is it inevitable for love to be found after a marriage? Imagine, couples marry despite notable shortcomings in their relationships. Ultimately, people with the will, eventually find love that may at first appear elusive.

Not Worthy

Persons must never consider themselves unworthy of pardon. Why build blinders and not receive this precious a gift? Our greatest sins don’t really matter, for that’s what Christ teaches in the Gospels. Regardless, how desperate is our case, we can still rely on the Lord. Even if we believe, we’re utterly unworthy, and see God as our enemy. Persons may be like the meanest worms, or the greatest sinners, and they will still be welcomed with open arms. Isn’t that amazing? Acceptance of Christ’s forgiveness surely ends the futility of spiritual bondage.

George Herbert (1593 – 1633), Welsh-born English poet, orator, and Anglican priest, prayed, “Throw away thy rod, throw away thy wrath; O my God, take the gentle path.” That was his plea to God,our Savior, and must be ours. Christians know they will be happier with his forgiveness.

Come As Beggars

At some point in our lives we might be lying in the dust. So, we ought to have an optimistic mind about life and living. Asking forgiveness of God sustains our joy found only in Christ. We must realize the gifts of God’s kingdom, by attaining his final reconciliation and justification. It’s Christian’s wish to be emancipate from evil, find grace, to be able to enjoy eternal bliss.

Jack Layton (1950 – 2011), Canadian social democratic politician, who was the leader of the official opposition, declared, “My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” In a positive light, this is how believers must view forgiveness. It is power and love, hope, and optimism for all sinners.