Poster Archive : MARCH 2007
Message: Forgiveness: One size fits all
Bible Verse: Nehemiah 9:17 You are a God ready to forgive.
Reflect: What size is your T-shirt? Small? Large? Or extra extra large? Is your car small, medium or a people mover? And how would you like your coffee? Starbucks offers Tall, Grande and the massive Venti. Sorry - there is no regular. We think of most things in size. And, if we're honest with ourselves, we think about sin in the same way. A white lie is tiny. Going 10 k's over the speed limit is small. Sleeping with your best friend's spouse is medium to large. Taking a gun and shooting a classroom full of kids-that's definitely extra-large. Who could forgive that?
There's a problem with this way of thinking. It doesn't matter how large or small we may think our sin is, its what God thinks of it that matters. Sin to God is sin. He will not tolerate any of it - not even a microscopic amount. His standard is perfection.
So, should we give up and sin boldly? No there are consequences. Our biggest need is to be forgiven by God who made us and will judge us.
The good news for us is that God is prepared to forgive. He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and full of love. He hasn't given up on us. He made forgiveness possible by paying the ultimate price: the sacrifice of his son Jesus on the cross.
Jesus' sacrifice happened only once but it 'fits all' people and it can deal with all sins ... past, present and future. No matter who you are or what you've done. Whether you've driven over the speed limit, cheated on your tax return, committed adultery or taken a human life, God can forgive all through Jesus' blood. God's forgiveness is open to all people. But we need to ask for it. We need to ask God with hearts ready to turn from evil and ready to live under God. One thing is certain, God is 'ready to forgive'.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to die on my behalf. Thank you that you are a God 'ready to forgive' my sin. Please forgive me and help me to live for you. AMEN.