Listen:
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39 (NIV)
Reflect:
However I feel, whatever anyone else, thinks, or says, I know that I am forgiven because, like Paul in verses 13 -37 I have confidence in the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus, the gospel stories of his life, death and resurrection and my own past experience!
I believe.
I am forgiven.
I am set free.
Proclaim it! – Read those three lines again. Maybe shout them out!
Accept it! – How?
Some situations are easy. The other day I was worrying aloud about not being forgiven. My husband suddenly asked, ‘How many arguments have we had?”Thousands,’ I answered, and laughed.
Misunderstandings and mistakes are not the end. They can be forgiven. Our loving relationship is testimony to that.
But what if someone has not forgiven us and we are unable, for some reason (one reason could be lockdown), to restore the relationship. We feel unforgiven and can end up in resentment and bitterness.
Jesus says to us:
‘Take heart, …..your sins are forgiven.’ (Matthew 9:2), and’This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’ (Matthew 26:28). Paul writes, ‘If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.’ (Romans 12:18)
Every day, you and I can remind ourselves that we are forgiven. Jesus paid the price. (He took our pain as well as our sin; Isaiah 53). God lavishes his grace and mercy on us. He bears no grudges……so I can pass on that mercy to others, with the help of the Holy Spirit living with me and in me.
For more scripture on this: Hebrews 10:15-24.
—Submitted by Elaine Davis
With a nice husband, house and garden, plenty of places to walk, wonderful weather and more time to pray, ‘lockdown’ is ok. But the news continues to be sad and alarming, we miss our grandchildren and we are contending with a negative relationship. Praise God for the good news as 24% of people in the UK log into church online, neighbors look out for each other and health and store workers are appreciated.
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