Some people will do anything for candy. If you know the story of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, you?ll remember that Edmund really blew it. Lured by the promise of delicious Turkish delight, he betrayed his brother and sisters, nearly bringing destruction on all of Narnia. Fortunately, the great lion king Aslan saved the day. Aslan could have made Edmund suffer for his sin, but forgave him instead.

It seems everyone needed forgiveness and mercy in the final installment of ?The Ties That Bind.? Jules, Hadley and even Ms. Adelaide received compassion in spite of the trouble caused by their deception and intolerance. It can be hard to forgive at times. Especially when we?ve been hurt deeply. But instead of holding a grudge, Wooten, Connie and Whit extended grace to those who had wronged them.

It?s easy to show love and mercy to someone who is nice to us. However, Jesus commands that we show the same kindness to people who work against us! Is someone in your life talking badly about you or stirring up trouble right now? In Luke 6:27-28 Jesus taught, ?Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who call down curses on you. And pray for those who treat you badly.?

Jesus showed us what that kind of forgiveness, mercy and love looks like by dying on the cross for us. It wan?t because we cooperated with Him or were easy to love. He did it because His love didn?t depend on how people acted. In fact, His amazing love and mercy are what inspired author C.S. Lewis to write that powerful story about Aslan and Edmund. Sweet!