The Tribune

By THE RT. REV’D. LAISH BOYD, BISHOP OF THE ANGLICAN

DIOCESE OF THE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

“He is arisen. He is not here.” (Mark 16:6)

Easter Day is the Christian Church’s annual celebration of human victory over sin and death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That resurrection is a point of history and of faith: it actually happened and, because of our faith, it is real and powerful.

Beyond that, Jesus’ resurrection calls us to rise above a number of other human “deaths” that we die.

The “death” that comes from hatred:

Many people hate other people, and some even claim that they have so-called “justifiable” or “good” reasons to do so. However, hate does not give life. It destroys. It does not harm the one whom you hate; it harms the one who hates.

Hate also creates division, stunts our growth and robs us of peace. Do you know how much energy it takes to sustain hatred? At the eucharist we quote Romans 14:19, “Let us then pursue the things that make for peace and build up the common life.” Psalm 34:14 says, “Depart from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it.”

Only Jesus can take away hate. Ask Him today. The Heavenly Father raised Him from the tomb; ask Him to raise you up out of hatred.

The “death” that comes from Unforgiveness:

Some people who have been hurt or wronged often find it hard to forgive. Many might claim that they have “justifiable” reasons not to forgive. However, there is a need to process pain positively because, like hate, unforgiveness does not destroy the unforgiven one but the one who does not forgive. Ongoing unforgiveness also encourages thoughts of revenge, of “getting back at” the person. Stop and consider how much energy it takes to “hold someone in” for a long time.

Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.”

Proverbs 24:17 says, “Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble.”

Conclusion:

What other negatives are “killing” you today? To what have you already “succumbed”?

The hope and victory that Jesus brings through His resurrection frees us not only from the sting of physical death but also from many other crippling human realities.

Allow the hand of the Master to touch you with eternal life today.

Christianity is meaningless unless those who profess it practice it in everyday life and situations. Christianity is meaningless unless we who profess it allow the power of God to liberate us.

Children of God, let us get out there every day and live this.

On behalf of the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, I wish you all a Happy Easter.