I spent a period of my life serving God at a local mission where the formerly incarcerated and others in need would visit for help and support, and could find a safe place to get back on one’s feet.
God taught me much through my experience there. Much about humanity. Much about life. Much about myself. Much about His love and forgiveness.
I came face-to-face with how those two–God’s love and forgiveness–go hand-in-hand.
Two days ago we discussed God’s love for us.
Today we’re looking at His forgiveness.
As I was involved in that ministry, I heard numerous stories of the awful things some had done, the crimes some committed, the horror some caused. And I’ll never forget the day I found myself deep in discussion with a man who had carried out many unspeakable acts. Common sense told me to run, but God told me to stay right there with him.
Anguish, distress, and conviction displayed loudly across this man’s face. His past mistakes haunted him greatly. As we talked, he became increasingly sorry for the terrible things he had done.
He “knew” his actions were “unforgiveable,” but I knew differently. I remembered God’s Word…
But if we own up to our sins, God shows that He is faithful and just by forgiving us of our sins and purifying us from the pollution of all the bad things we have done. 1 John 1:9
This truth dispelled the darkness that had lingered long in his heart, and I about leaped for joy as I watched a smile appear on his face. Tears followed down his cheeks.
“God will forgive me?” he asked. I held his hand, we prayed, and I beheld God’s forgiveness transpire with my own two eyes. It was nothing short of amazing.
Yes, God forgave this man. God forgives you and me, too.
You may not have done some of the awful things this man did, but you’ve done wrong. Maybe you’re as burdened by it as this man was. The truth is, we’ve all messed up. We’ve all fallen short. We’ve all failed. The good news is, when we give these failures to God (He knows about them already), and apologize to Him for what we’ve done, He forgives us.
Completely, totally, perfectly.
You see, God takes all our crimes—our seemingly inexhaustible sins—and removes them. As far as east is from the west, He removes them from us. Psalm 103:12
And how can God forgive us?
Because of His Son…
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:7
Our sins are removed. We no longer need to live with the burden we’ve carried for so long. We are free!
Friend, you are forgiven!
I pray you live in that forgiveness today.
God bless you as you do!
Much love,
Julie
Here we are, already on Day 7 of 31 Days #CelebratingWhoYouAre. My prayer today is that you’re encouraged and uplifted by God’s Truths! Thank you so much for spending a few minutes here today.
Linking this post with Jennifer Dukes Lee for #TellHisStory and Holley Gerth for Coffee For Your Heart.
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Thanks for sharing your encouraging post. Even though we may know this truth, it doesn’t always sink in and we definitely need reminding from time to time. Thank you Lord for your forgiveness!
Amen, Judy! Thank you Lord. Many blessings, friend!
Great minds think alike. I wrote about forgiveness today too!
And it was great! Keep writing, beautiful friend. Your words are a gift!
What an amazing experience that must have been for both of you! I am so glad you were there for him!
It was, Sarah. I imagine it’s one I’ll never forget. So thankful for God’s loving forgiveness. Thanks for coming by!