In Search of Meaning: The Essence of Easter

To truly love one must first be loved. To truly forgive one must first experience forgiveness. We experience both in Christ.

I believe that mankind is in pursuit of a life that has meaning, and that meaning or purpose will find expression in ones actions in his/her relationships. It is in these human relationships that we encounter conflict; it is this conflict which creates opportunities for growth and change.

The ability to give love is inextricably linked with the opportunity to receive love. How does one know to give love without expectation of return, or to be patient and kind unless he/she has first experienced such intense connectedness of soul and spirit? How does one who has been deeply wounded offer forgiveness without thought of retribution unless he/she has experienced such unrelenting grace?

A quick search using Blue Letter Bible returns 88 verses using the phrase "in Christ".  Most of these verses indicate that in Christ we find such qualities as: faith, redemption, life, freedom, trust, and wholeness. In God, we "live and move and exist" (Acts 17:28). The Apostle Paul wrote that "there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ" (Romans 8:1). Therefore, if we find the meaning and purpose of life in Christ, we are connected to the one who is the essence of life and knows the value and meaning of love and forgiveness.

We have just completed celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whatever you did to contemplate the story of Christ, I hope that it was a significant experience and one that was rich and meaningful. But what about tomorrow? How will we live and interact with the people that are an important part of our life? How will we love them? More importantly, how will we manifest forgiveness?

I don't know about you, but I hope I can model the love and forgiveness of Christ. Not so much because they will need it, but because I need it. After all, I'm only human...

Blessings, my human friends. In Christ, there is life.