Is There a Limit to God’s Forgiveness?
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived… And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 11
Many people have at some time or another wondered, How could God ever forgive me? The feeling of unworthiness or the inability to accept forgiveness is crippling. The truth is, we are all sinners. While the consequences of sin may vary, the reality of everyone’s vulnerability to sin levels the ground at the foot of the Cross. We are all in need of forgiveness.
The Good News is that God’s love knows no boundaries. The blood of Jesus paid the price for all our sin. To those who come to Him in repentance, there is no place that God’s grace and forgiveness can’t reach. Forgiveness is not only the beginning of the journey, when we first accept the forgiveness of sin Christ offers – it is also a steady marker on the pathway to discipleship. As Christ-followers, we continually receive and distribute forgiveness. God’s love is demonstrated in us through His forgiveness of our sin - - past, present, and future. As we walk the pathway of discipleship, we will stumble and falter along the way, but we will never be out of the grip of God’s grace, nor beyond the limits of His forgiveness.
Gratitude for that kind of forgiveness, and the overflow of Christ’s love poured out in our hearts, gives us the courage to express that same kind of forgiveness towards others. God forgave us when we didn’t deserve it. There will be times when we must also forgive those who don’t deserve it. Disciples reflect their leaders, so followers of Christ should lead lives steadily marked by forgiveness. God’s forgiveness has no limits for those who believe in the saving power of the Cross. Forgiven people are free! Forgiven people are found. And found people find other people to tell about the Good News of forgiveness.
God, I have received from You forgiveness I did not deserve. Thank You. I pray that You would help me forgive as I’ve been forgiven. There is no limit to Your forgiveness, but sometimes there is a limit to my ability to forgive. Create in me a new heart. Help me love others as You love them. Give me the strength to extend grace and forgiveness because You first gave it to me. Help me continue to forgive when I’m reminded of the hurt. Make me more like You. In the name of Jesus, my Forgiver, Amen.
Dr. Richard Mark Lee, McKinney, TX