Last night I led worship for a prayer service at a church in North County and heard a really God-inspiring testimony and thought I'd share it with you. It was the story of a gentleman who'd been hurt and abused by his earthly father for most of his young life. This son spent the greater portion of his life HATING his father to death. In fact, long after his father had passed away, this son could not even stand the mention of his father's name.

BUT THEN SOMETHING AMAZING HAPPENED! Someone shared the love of Christ with him and a true transformation from the inside out began to occur. In his newfound faith he began to immediately understand the power of walking in forgiveness considering His Heavenly Father saw fit to release him from the grips of eternal death.

Eventually as he grew spiritually, this adult man made his way to his father's grave and had a conversation with his Heavenly Father about his earthly father. He prayed that God would forgive him for all of the years of hate and despising his father despite all the ill things that had been done to him.

I'll tell you what! I don't think there was a person in the room who did not at this point examine his/her own heart to see if there was anyone in their own past or present to were held captive by the grips his/her unforgiveness. Heading into 2010, I believe one of the best resolutions anyone can ever make is to LOVE others beyond their hurt, hate or bitterness. For the believer it is not an option since this is the greatest commandment with promise.

Consider Luke 6:35-36:
"Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned that they might not repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to the unthankful and to those who are wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate."

How's that for a New Year's resolution? Let Christ's love flow through you this new year! That is the power of true "Surrender"!

Check out this video Joey shot this past Sunday of me singing "Surrender" at Saddleback's Praise venue. Listen beyond the presentation and allow the words to penetrate your heart for this incoming year: CLICK HERE

Be encouraged,

Eric Lige