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 wholly and without reservation is contrary to our nature. I am sure that you will remember the discussion between Jesus and his disciples about how often we should forgive someone who sins against us sin against me, forgive? Is it enough seven times? Jesus said to him, I say to you, not seven times, but seventy times seven "(Matthew 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 does not think of you as a sinner. He sees you for who you really are - a righteous person, cleansed of all guilt, paid for and redeemed by Jesus. Remember what John the Baptist said about Jesus? "See, here is the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes sin from the whole world!" (Johannes 1,29 New Geneva translation). He does not temporarily set aside sin or simply hide it. As the Lamb of God, Jesus died in your place, paying for all your sins. "But be kind and kind to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ" (Ephesians 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