“ ‘But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. ‘The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ ‘But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.’” Luke 15: 20-24
Commentary: God’s love is constant and patient and welcoming. He will search for us and give us opportunities to respond, but he will not force us to come to him. Like the father in this story, God waits patiently for us to come to our senses.
I’m not saying there won’t be consequences for our sins but at least God’s is merciful and his love is infinite.
“Why do you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes?...this is what the Lord says, ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you, Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel. David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.” 2 Samuel 12: 9, 11-14
Commentary: David confessed and repented of his sin but God’s judgment was that his child would die. The consequences of David’s sin were irreversible. Sometimes an apology isn’t enough. When God forgives us and restores our relationship with him, he doesn’t eliminate all the consequences of our wrong-doing.
So after we’ve sinned and suffered for our actions is that the end of the story? Far from it! While David lost his son, God gave him another son, Solomon, as a reminder of his grace.
Commentary: When we return to God, accept his forgiveness, and change our ways, he gives us a fresh start. To feel forgiven as David did, admit your sins to God and turn to him, then move ahead with a new and fresh approach to life.
“Blessed is he who transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” Psalm 32:1-2