Forgiveness

Hello dear friends,

I really had no idea what to share with you today. I accepted writing this blog as a responsibility of stewardship to God. And, as usually happens, much gets in the way when you commit yourself to God in a matter of importance. I'm sure you've had the same experience if you've walked with God for any length of time.

We all make mistakes. We all sin and most often without meaning to do so. But...all require forgiveness. It is the forgiveness of God through Jesus that makes our lives worthwhile. Without that forgiveness, we would drown in guilt and despair. I John 1:9 is familiar. It says (NIV), "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Now, here I see a couple of important truths to be learned.

First, God has already provided the means for righteousness (right standing with God). By accepting Jesus' death and resurrection, God has provided for Himself a way of salvation and forgiveness to all believers. God knew that we would never measure up to all of the requirements of the law and that a sacrifice needed to be made. So, God provided that sacrifice through the lineage of Abraham (according to God's promise) so that all of His creation would have access to the throne room of grace. That, in itself, is reason enough to holler hallelujah!

Second, in order to access this forgiveness we must be open and honest in confessing our sins, faults and failings to our Heavenly Father. God wants to hear from us. Plain and simple. I think of my own earthly father who, when I messed up just waited for me to come to him and tell him how I failed and ask him for help. I think any good earthly father would do the same. Well, so much more so our Heavenly Father wishes for us to come to Him with our scrapes and bumps and ask for His help and forgiveness. There's nothing more touching to my heart than to see a young child say, "I'm sorry." to their daddy and have him scoop the child up in his arms for comfort and correction. This is the love your Heavenly Father has for you as His child.

Understand that if you refuse to forgive yourself, even after accepting the forgiveness of God, you are not accounting for the blood of Jesus; the precious gift that was used up for your benefit. We cannot continue to disrespect God with our unforgiveness of ourselves and our unforgiveness for others. It is an affront to Him, truly. Our hearts should be so completely humbled that God, Himself, would sacrifice His only Son for our forgiveness that we cannot help but share that forgiveness and unconditional love with others.

So, as you go about your day, remember God's forgiveness. It was purchased at an astounding price. And be sure to pass that forgiveness and unconditional love on to others. You might be the only Jesus that person sees today. And wouldn't it be a shame if they failed to see His love and forgiveness?

May God richly bless you this day...
CLG-B