God forgives and forgets. That’s rather impossible with us. We may forgive, but forgetting? Well, that’s another matter. And if someone has really wronged us, that too often manifests itself in how we treat them in the future. At the very least, they may not be receiving our Christmas card next year!
God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
But God (thankfully!) is not like us.
It is an astonishing statement that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) and that “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10).
Truly staggering!
How? Why?
When we look at our own lives we see our persistence in sinning and that God came to save us, not just because of our sins or despite our sins, but while we were sinners – and in His transcendent love and mercy said, “Yep, you, sinner; I die to save you! You, one who comes against Me as My enemy, driving Me to the death – I die for you to make our relationship right!”
It is truly unfathomable!
And yet, it is true! And amazing! And jarring! And weighty! And beautiful! And ours!
And now that we are reconciled and saved; now that our hearts have been made new; now that we are full beneficiaries of His perfect mercy, grace, and forgiveness, we can live in that reconciliation with God and others. We can live, move, and have our being no longer as sinners and enemies, but as ones who are holy children, bent on sharing this reality and reconciliation Plan with others.
How wonderfully phenomenal! “Thank You, Lord Jesus, for dying for us and reconciling us while we were sill sinners and enemies. We have no means of thanking You enough, but pray that we live in this reality by the Holy Spirit in a way that befits Your people. Use us as Your ambassadors to live and share this reconciliation with others, pointing them to You in all that we do. In Your precious name do we pray; amen!”
Scripture
- Romans 5:6-15
- Psalm 100 (Responsory)
