Fully Forgiven
Imagine a grand choir echoing a single anthem. Each distinct voice adds to the chorus, creating a symphony filled with anticipation. Their melody spans generations; they sing of a Savior whose name brings forgiveness and hope!
This song of eternity is described by Paul: “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43 NIV).
The prophets, whose ancient voices echoed God's plans and purposes, stood as witnesses to this ultimate promise: Christ’s forgiveness isn't just a possibility. it's a reality for all who believe.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we can find encouragement standing on the foundation laid by these prophetic voices. We stand assured that through the name of Jesus, forgiveness is granted, and reconciliation is made possible with God and others. But we’re not onlookers! We are active participants in this grand choir, singing with hearts full of gratitude, hope, and confidence in the unifying power of Christ’s forgiveness.
Jesus paid the price for your past, present, and future. What would it look like for you to fully embrace this forgiveness for your sins?
Undeserved Mercies
When someone hurts you or, worse, hurts somebody that you love, revenge can seem appealing. After all…
They were mean.
They were selfish.
They talked behind your back.
They broke a vital promise.
They lied about you.
They criticized you.
They ignored you.
They did the unthinkable.
They walked away.
They deserve to be punished, right? To feel some of that same pain? They deserve a consequence that will not only help them learn, but will be just as severe as the inflicted wounds.
And yet—because God sees things differently, both His standards and tactics can be surprising. And that’s why the apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Thessaloniki, said:
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT
Paul’s words sound a lot like Jesus’ words—to love your neighbor as yourself; to do to others what you’d like them to do to you. (See: Matthew 22:38-40)
God’s ways ...