God is Loving and Forgiving

This week Justin Morton is the writer/speaker for Our Daily Walk.

Good morning and welcome to our daily walk.

Audio version at http://tinyurl.com/ytvr48

This week we have been examining the God that we worship. Yesterday we looked at how God is everywhere always. There is no place one can go to hide from God. Everything we do is open to His eyes.

Since God is everywhere and sees everything, there is nothing that can be hidden from Him. Thus, when we sin and mess up, God knows about it. If this were the end this would make life for us unbearable, knowing that God sees when we sin and do things that go against His will. How fortunate we are that we serve a God that is loving and forgiving. When we sin and mess up, yes God knows about it, but He is willing to forgive us. John said, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I Jn. 1.8-9). John makes his point plain and simple. If we confess our sins God will forgive us of our sins because He is faithful and righteous.

In John chapter 8 we see the forgiveness of Jesus first hand. The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman they caught in the act of adultery to Jesus to test Him. They pointed out that the Law of Moses commanded them to stone such a woman. Upon hearing what they had to say Jesus stooped down and began writing on the ground with His finger. The scribes and Pharisees continued to persist that He answer the question. Jesus responded, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one they departed. Jesus looked at her and said, “Where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more” (Jn. 8:1-11).

This woman who was caught in the very act of adultery should have been stoned to death. Jesus thought otherwise. He was willing to forgive the woman even though all those around her were not. Jesus knows that we are weak and sinful. He understands that we are all sinners. Paul said, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3.23). Jesus loves us so much that no matter what, He is willing to forgive if we are truly willing to repent.

I have heard some people make the statement that there is no way that God could ever forgive them. Some of you may feel that God can’t forgive you for something you have done. You may feel that you are too far gone for even God to reach out to and forgive. I want all of you to know that’s not possible. God’s love and forgiveness can cover a multitude of sins. Paul tells us that there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God (Rom. 8.35-39). No matter what your past is like, God loves you and is willing to forgive you if you will only repent.

As has already been mentioned, Jesus is the greatest example of forgiveness. In Luke 23 we read about the crucifixion of Jesus. As He was hanging on the cross after having been beaten, spit upon, mocked, and humiliated, Jesus uttered some of the most beautiful words the Bible records. In verse 34 He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” After enduring the greatest pain and suffering the world has ever known, Jesus prayed to God for forgiveness on behalf of those who were killing Him.

The world has never known a more loving and forgiving individual than Jesus Christ. It is my hope and prayer that all of you will come to understand the forgiveness that can be found in Jesus Christ.

Our thought of the day: “Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future” (Paul Boese).

May God bless you in your daily walk.

© Our Daily Walk, Justin Morton, 2007. Permission is granted to copy these articles provided they are not sold and the author's name and copyright are included.