Birthday candles

One of the hardest things we believe as Christians is that God has forgiven us all of our sins. We know that's true in theory, but when it comes to practical everyday situations, we act as if it weren't. We tend to act the same way we do when we forgive as we do when blowing out a candle. When we try to blow them out, the candles keep coming on no matter how seriously we try.

These candles are a good representation of how we tend to blow out our sins and other people's mistakes and yet they keep reappearing to new life. But that's not how divine forgiveness works. When we repent of our sins, God forgives and forgets them forever. There is no further punishment, no negotiation, no resentment waiting for another verdict.

To forgive completely and without reservation goes against our nature. I'm sure you remember the discussion between Jesus and his disciples about how often we should forgive someone who sins against us: “Then Peter came to him and said, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Mt 18,21-22).

It is difficult to fathom and grasp this level of forgiveness. We are unable to do this, so it is difficult for us to understand that God is able to do it. We often forget that his forgiveness is not temporary. We believe that even though God says He has removed our sins, He is really waiting to punish us if we don't meet His standards.

God doesn't think of you as a sinner. He sees you for what you truly are—a righteous person, cleansed from all guilt, paid for and redeemed by Jesus. Remember what John the Baptist said about Jesus? “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Joh 1,29)He doesn't temporarily set sin aside or simply hide it. As the Lamb of God, Jesus died in your place and thereby paid the price for all your sins. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Eph 4,32).
God completely forgives, and He wants you to forgive those who, like you, are still imperfect. If we ask for God's forgiveness, He forgave you 2000 years ago!

by Joseph Tkach