Sunday, April 01, 2007

The Miracle of Constant Forgiveness

Do you believe in miracles? There is a great prayer on one of my favorite worship CDs: "Risen Christ, your miracle in us is your constant forgiveness." I really like this little saying a lot, and I can't seem to get it out of my head. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Constant forgiveness really does create miracles in our lives. Why? Because constant forgiveness is nothing else than the unending love of God, which Paul describes in Ephesians 3.18. Paul prays that we are able to grasp “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge….” God’s forgiving love is so great that it is beyond our reasoning capabilities. Our response to this love should simply be acceptance. Accept his unending, loving forgiveness each morning. Don’t try to figure it out; just receive it and enjoy it. The results of accepting this amazing love are nothing short of miraculous: this love will make you like God (2 Cor. 3.18). You’ll become a giver of unending love like the Father, and all those around you will benefit.

When we let go of the dark places in our past--whether they were ten years ago, last week, or this morning--and we accept the love God has for us, things change. This acceptance gives us hope and makes room in our hearts for God’s Spirit to “pour out love” (Romans 5.5). As Easter nears let’s reflect on how the Risen Christ’s steady flow of forgiveness miraculously helps us see beyond past failures and future fears. The love he offers us is like a door leading away from the dark places we tend to wander. His love melts away judgmental attitudes and bitter thoughts that harden our hearts toward others and creates interpersonal havoc. I pray that this Easter we will let God work a miracle in us and resolve to accept his constant forgiveness.


Matt

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