Bible in a Year:
You are a forgiving God . . . abounding in love.
Theres an example of repentance and forgiveness in Nehemiah. The Israelites had been exiled because of their sin, but now they were allowed to return to Jerusalem. When theyd settled in, Ezra the scribe read the law to them (Nehemiah 7:738:3). They confessed their sins, remembering that despite their sin God did not desert or abandon them (9:17, 19). He heard them when they cried out; and in compassion and mercy, He was patient with them (vv. 2731).
In a similar way, God is patient with us. He wont abandon us if we choose to confess our sin and turn to Him. I wish I could go back and tell my professor that, no matter her past, Jesus loves her and wants her to be part of His family. He feels the same way about you and me. We can approach Him seeking forgivenessand He will give it!
Do you know someone who feels theyre too sinful for Jesus to forgive them? How does the truth that Jesus has come not for the righteous, but sinners (Mark 2:17) speak to this way of thinking?
Dear Father, thank You for forgiving my sins and for Your assurance that no one is too sinful to be forgiven.
To learn more about forgiveness in the Christian life, visit ChristianUniversity.org/SF107.
Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
We made it through hump day!! Hurrah for us!!
Hope your week is going well. How’s the mixer coming along? Close to done?