One factor in individual happiness is the decision to forgive those who have harmed us, release ourselves from the burden of hate and resentment and offer that burden to God the Father (Psalm 32:1). Retaining sins will not release us from their inner burden (John 20:23). Only by taking the risk to forgive, we can be forgiven and permit God to heal our own afflictions. The result is protection from the effects of sinful attacks: “you are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with cries of deliverance” (Psalm 32: 7). This inner disposition to forgive even to the point of forgiving our enemies follows the example provided to us by the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus shows us the way to live and he even gave up his life to cement this point. Jesus Christ is not just the one true path to happiness and union with God, he is the only way. These are not my words or conclusions but those found in the Bible: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Yes, no one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ. Jesus did not say, some people may possibly come to the Father another way, or there is a “backdoor” to God. No. Jesus said, “no one comes tot he Father” except through Jesus Christ. No one means no one. These words may appear alarming to contemporary ears who expect all faiths to be valid; however, the true test is to practice the way of Christ and watch the results of living that way in your life.
The Way of Christ
