Encouragement

---

He Will Never Forgive Me This Time

The Idea that I couldn't be forgiven for this one probably started as a child. Coming home with a bad report card I would think, oh man they are going to kill me, I broke the neighbors window playing baseball, that sinking feeling I am dead. You know the crimes, the sins against the family, broke moms china gravy bowl, oh no I will be grounded for life, maybe a beating with a wire brush and possibly public execution. You have your list.

As I get older, I am introduced to God; he is that unforgiving Father I heard about as a child. Although God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to atone for our sins and save us from death and guarantees those who believe a place with Him in Heaven. Until I committed that sin I can’t be forgiven for. Come on you know the one, maybe two, hmmm maybe more. Alcoholism, drug addiction, adultery, sex before marriage, stealing, lying, cheating, jealousy, anger, rage, cursing, stayed away from church, this could become a long list given your conscience. I have had some I say God will never forgive me for this one or that one or many of them. I felt the same way till my friend said "let’s look at the word and see what God has to say.

Further study into God's own words show many examples of His forgiveness. Moses killed an Egyptian guard he was a murderer and God had him lead the Israelites out of bondage. David, the king, the giant slayer, and author of Psalms committed adultery with another mans wife then sent the man to the front line of battle to die so he could have Bathsheba all to himself. God loved David and David wrote of that love. Saul who became Paul, drug Jesus followers our of their homes, put them in prisons and to death. He held the cloak of Stephen while he was being stoned. Paul of course was a chosen Apostle by the resurrected Jesus to bring the Good News of forgiveness to the Gentiles.

Peter denied he knew Jesus three times after saying he would die for him, All but one Apostle ran and hid, (John) and when Jesus had been resurrected He came through the door his first words, "Peace be with you". Thomas wasn't their that day and doubted, he said I need proof, Jesus returned and gently said Thomas touch the wounds in my hands and feet. How about the adulteress about to be stoned, Jesus said those without sin cast the first stone, no stones thrown, since no one stoned her Jesus said Go and sin no more. He took one of thieves being crucified with him to Paradise because he asked to be forgiven. The prodigal son was forgiven just for coming home was treated like a king before he could say anything.
God loves us he is waiting for us to come to Him. With Moses and Paul he went to them, he had plans.
John said in John 3:15-16 (NIV), 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Peter said in Acts 2:38-39 (NIV), 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

Wow Forgiveness for all sin we ask in Jesus name the death on the cross was painful the torture before painful, he took on the sin of the world for all time, Why because He loves us. He created us; he knew we would fall, make mistakes sin. Come to our Father in Jesus name forgiveness is for the asking. Don't let pride, your own sense of forgiveness get in the way. Grace and Mercy are God's way of forgiving. He loves you he loves me lets do this together.

God Bless
Ken Jones
THS

Author of A Prodigal Return and Everyday Grace: Living in God's Word. www.aprodigalreturn.com

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE