Today’s Scriptures: Acts 13:38, NIV- “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you”
The Good News of Jesus, my friends, is that through Him our sins have been forgiven. As humans, this seems to be hard to accept. Many times, Christians seem to tie strings or add a but where it does not belong. We can cast doubt or shame where simple acceptance is commanded.
Paul witnessed this in his day, and we witness it today. The following verse of Acts 13:39 is vitally and eternally accurate “Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” We have been set free from every sin by Jesus and we cannot possibly keep all the laws.
My daughter and I have had several conversations regarding the harshness of believers in these digital and social media days. Young believers and non-believers are many times berated by having laws thrown in their faces like they should be focused more on the law than on the love, sacrifice, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
Living in the recovery world for almost two decades, one of the most common refrains is that we find it hard to forgive ourselves for our sins that played a part in our hardships. We must stop this deceit to ourselves and others. The Good news is that everyone who accepts Jesus and believes in His life, burial, and risen savior are free from every sin.
Yes, but you don’t know what I have done. Yes, yes, I do. I believe Jesus over the lies of the ruler of this earth that came to steal and kill and destroy as we read in John 10:10. Jesus came so that we all may have life and have it to the full. Who are we to take part in evil either in our actions or our beat down of others.
Jesus has forgiven us and given us a full life and I am praying we are thankful enough in our own lives to be thankful for the forgiveness of others lives, no ifs and buts. As Jesus stated in John 10:11 ““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Let us lay down our lives, our opinions, our guilts, and our understanding so we may help shepherd all others.
As Acts 13:40-41 state we must be careful with our beliefs. Jesus is beyond logic and understanding of the human mind. Paul and Barnabas urged us to continue to rely on the grace of God. Jesus is our grace. Yes, that is a PERIOD. Let us not heap the abuse of doubt and discouragement. It is beyond our belief that Jesus could forgive us, but it is very much within our acceptance of His forgiveness.
Let us stop our self-degradation and bite our tongues in pointing out the shortcomings or decisions of others and be eternally grateful that Jesus offers us all a forgiveness beyond understanding. Let us be bold in proclaiming the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. We should leave all other convictions to Jesus and His Holy Spirit to convict and change lives. It is not up to our understanding of the law.
Are you thankful for your forgiveness and will you offer this same thanksgiving to others?
Today’s Prayer: Jesus help us to be a light of your salvation to the ends of the earth. Let us live the light of Your forgiveness. Help us to live our lives of thanksgiving to the full. Help us to live a life full of Your forgiveness and offer this to all Your sheep. Let us not add to Your words Lord and not lean on our understanding. Lord Jesus, I accept Your forgiveness for my life, and I am offering Your forgiveness to all others. In Your mighty and powerful name, I am praying. Amen.
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