A Father’s Forgiveness
by Betty Robison
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he
removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)
Any Christian parent understands that when it comes to our children, we are bold in the presence of God. We are not ashamed to ask anything on their behalf. We will pray for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs to be met. If necessary, we will beg and plead for God's mercy and intervention in their lives.
When our children make mistakes, we continue to love them unconditionally and forgive them no matter what they say or do. We want the very best for them, always and forever.
So why is it sometimes difficult for us to petition God on our own behalf? It is as if we believe in our children's worth to God, but we don't believe in our own worth to him.
In the 51st Psalm, David confesses his sins before God and begs for forgiveness.
"Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin."
(vs. 1-2)
David's truly repentant heart received God's mercy. Our heavenly Father wants to forgive us. But many times, I believe, we allow Satan to remind us of our past and condemn us in our spirit. The enemy will do anything to prevent us from moving forward and allowing God to teach us and lead us into complete joy and peace. And too often, we believe the devil’s lies! We listen to the reminders that we are sinners and instead of holding to God's word, we live as slaves to our iniquity. When we do this, we miss the wisdom that only comes from God.
We need to remember the attitude that God the Father has toward his children. In the same way that we love our children, no matter what they do or say, He loves us so much more. His forgiveness does not keep bringing up our sins. When He washes us clean, the stain of our sins is completely gone.
In order to understand the completeness of God's forgiveness, we must understand that it is through his own son that we are forgiven. By sacrificing His Son for our sins, we are made worthy through Jesus Christ. We are His children and He counts His children worthy, just as we do our own.
Nothing could take away my love for my husband, our children and our grandchildren. In the same way, we cannot erase God's love for us. He has already given the ultimate sacrifice, paid the price for that love.
Once we receive His forgiveness, we can come boldly before Him and ask for His blessings – blessings for ourselves, in the same way we ask for His blessings on our children. We can ask for our physical, emotional and spiritual needs to be met.
Our loving Father is ready to bless us now. So ask for His forgiveness, receive it – all of it – and begin walking in His blessings.
This Week
Confess your sins to the Father, then accept His forgiveness. Remember his mercy and grace; leave your past behind.
Prayer
”Father, thank you for sending your Son to atone for my sins. Help me understand your undying love, so that I can become the person you made me to be.”
