Mark 2:5-7,8 – When Jesus saw their faith, he said…”Son, your sins are forgiven”…“Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts?”
Some years ago, there was a pastor who was touring a mental institution for people who had literally lost touch with reality and were no longer functional in society. He was visiting with one of the doctors who seeks to help these people live as safe a life as possible with as little self-harm as possible.
This place is horrible. Imagine screaming, yelling, people who are delusional, people who are hearing voices, people who are traumatized, broken, and non-functional.
The doctor who was giving the pastor a tour made a shockingly simple statement based on the condition of the people at this facility. He said, “Most of these people could just go home if they would believe they are forgiven.”
Just like these people, we as human beings need to be forgiven and to forgive others.
Because of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross to save us, sin does not have to get the final word. We can accept forgiveness for ourselves and then forgive others, transferring the burden to the one who can handle it – Jesus – and unburdening us to love and serve others.
Our past does not have to be our present and does not have to transfer to our future. Who we are in Christ is not who we are on our worst day. Forgiveness is an incredible gift that God gives us that can change our lives, and I want it to change your life. Sin may be the second most powerful force on the earth, but the first is forgiveness.
What sin have you committed that you feel is beyond God’s forgiveness? Release the burden of this word or deed to God and accept the truth that He can and will forgive you.