"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You."
(Psalm 86:5) NKJV
There’s no other blessing that's as sweet as the joy of being forgiven by the one we have wronged. It is good and relieving when we are forgiven by fellow men; for consider the joy that fills your heart when someone you offended decides to let go and extend a hand of love and renewed friendship, freeing you from the guilt and the shame that would have otherwise accompanied you the rest of your life.
Imagine that we receive this much joy when we make amends with our friends, colleagues, and/or relatives with whom we had fallen out, a grudge that would last only as long as we are alive and it is forgotten. How much more joy will you receive when the Eternal, Omniscient, invisible creator tells you "You are Forgiven; I've decided to let it go"!
Forgiveness is such a simple thing to do, yet for the sake of unforgiveness, families have been destroyed, destinies hindered, and lives lost. We feel relieved, like a burden lifted from off our shoulders the moment a brother or sister makes plain to us that they're throwing away the hurt and taking us back in; but we must understand that the forgiveness of God is sweeter and far more glorious. It relieves us, not just from temporary guilt, but from guilt that would otherwise be on our hearts for eternity. But God through Jesus forgives, yes, he does more than just forgive, He Restores.
God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on Calvary's Cross cleanses us from all filth and purges us from our iniquities; remembering them no more. His love for mankind is not metered out or rationed: He has lavished His love upon everyone who genuinely seeks Him as God and Father. Why should we then let our guilt usher us into our graves when we have such a Father that loves without limit?
Dear reader, cry out and seek God’s forgiveness for your wrong, no matter how big, and in his mercy, He will reach out his hand of pardon to you; receiving you back into his loving, secure hands. You can confidently trust him daily, knowing that our Heavenly Father is not only good but is also readily longing to bless us with forgiveness and abundant mercy provided we call upon Him wholeheartedly.
Blessings!
