Birds live in invisible cages. While we often say someone is "free as a bird," all birdwatchers know that the conduct of birds is rigidly fixed. They are prisoners of the land they fly over and slaves to the air they fly through. John and Jean George told of a wild cardinal they saw die because he could not break through this invisible barrier. He was strangled on a piece of property that was cleared of trees and plowed under. They said, "Almost all birds live and love and die behind bars of nature's compulsions. They are captives in cages of their own instincts, from which, with rare exceptions, they cannot escape."
Birds are not the only creatures locked behind invisible prison bars. James tells us that some people are lost through bitterness. He plainly says we can obtain mercy from God only as we are merciful: For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. On the other hand, those who have learned to forgive are free because mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).
Those locked in the invisible prison of an unforgiving spirit will never be free. Those who seek forgiveness from Christ, however, find they first must forgive. In letting go of their anger, they find real freedom.
Forgive someone today.
“and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Matthew 6:12 ESV
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