If you have ever experienced forgiveness from a friend or family member then you know what forgiveness feels like. You understand the peace that returns and the restoration of the relationship. The more we wronged that person, the more grateful we are of the forgiveness they extended to us.
Every one of us sins and we are all in need of God’s forgiveness. Without His forgiveness, we are unable to find the peace our hearts long for. It doesn’t matter whether there is only one sin in our entire lifetime or a million. It doesn’t matter if our sins or just “little” sins or if there is a whole closet full of “big” sins. God doesn’t put quantity or size to our sin. One sin – of any size – and we become a sinner. Yet, the more we recognize our own sinfulness and our need for a Savior, the more precious Jesus becomes to us and the more love we have for Him. The person with a closet full of big sins will understand God’s grace and forgiveness more than the person with just one little sin. As a result, the person with the “big” sins will, in return, demonstrate more love to the God who forgave him. For example, if two people stand before the same judge, one with a speeding ticket for two miles over the speed limit and the other guilty traffic homicide and both receive forgiveness for their crimes and released – who is likely to feel the most gratitude?
The woman in Luke 7 who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair and anointed his head with oil had come face to face with her own sinfulness. She knew the extent of every sin she had ever committed and knew she needed forgiveness. The Pharisee who had invited Jesus to dinner at his home had still to get passed his pious, ritualistic mentality to see his sinfulness. The woman’s actions demonstrated true repentance and because of her faith, she found forgiveness and salvation. As a result, she could “go in peace” (vs. 50).
Is there anything in your life today that you need to seek God’s forgiveness for? Do you long for peace and restoration of your relationship with Him? Ask Him to forgive you now.
God, thank you for your forgiveness and grace. Because of your forgiveness, we can live in peace with you. Help us to recognize quickly when sin creeps in and to seek your forgiveness once again.
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Today, pray for Massachusetts:
#Chronovirus #fastandpray #judgement #repentance #revivalin2020 #WCM
Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:
Memorize and hide in your heart one memory verse each week in 2020. If you didn’t start the challenge at the beginning of the year, just jump in now and be sure to sign up to get our weekly Memory verse in your email so you don’t miss a week.
In 2020 our emphasis is on revival for America with three key words: revive, renew, and redeem. You will begin to see the elements of our website and posts reflect this emphasis. We hope you’ll join us in praying for God to pour out the Holy Spirit with a mighty rushing wind of revival for our nation and around the world.
Our key verse for revival is 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. For the past few weeks, we have been focusing on repentance. This week, we look at the spiritual transformation that takes place when we surrender our heart to God.
This week’s memory verse:
Exodus 14:13-14
“Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
#Chronovirus #fastandpray #faithoverfear #revivalin2020 #WCM