June 19, 2018
Blessed are those
whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Romans 4:7
Our greatest
blessings are not possessions or experiences, but freedom from our past so that
we can again become what God designed us to be.
What was the best gift you ever
received from your family?
On my 16th birthday, I
wasn’t expecting much. My mom and family
had made a cake and my favorite dinner for me after the baseball game I played
in, but our limited income had kept gifts limited for years. (That was okay, since we were happy with the
things we did get to do, but it kept the expectations down.) On the table was a small gift box along with
a birthday card, so I figured it was just something simple from my mom. Much to my surprise, when I opened the box,
it was a set of keys to the family car, along with a paper showing my
registration for summer drivers ed classes!
My mom had entrusted me with the keys to the only car we owned, and
promised to help me get my drivers license!
I was shocked and blessed! Even
though the gift was not expensive to purchase, it was an incredibly valuable gift.
There’s another gift that is
incredibly valuable, though it doesn’t appear to cost much … it’s the gift of
forgiveness. When given, it restores
relationships, removes the baggage of the past, and gives freedom to the
receiver. While it may not have a
sticker price, it’s of great value to our lives, and lasts longer than a car or
other possession. And when GOD gives it
to us, it is priceless! Without that
simple gift, we have no hope of living eternally.
While forgiveness doesn’t have a
high price tag, it still has a great cost.
In our case, when we give forgiveness, it costs us retribution and
restitution from the person. And when
God sent Jesus to the cross to buy our forgiveness, it cost Jesus his
life! So be careful not to discount the
forgiveness given to us by others, it is a highly valuable gift. In fact, it is the best blessing you ever
will receive.
Valuing the gift of forgiveness
has a life-changing impact. Living free
of sin and the regret of the past can open the door for us to follow Jesus,
love God, forgive our brothers, and love our neighbor. It can change a life destined for hell into a
glorious life headed for heaven. It can
also open the door for an amazing life, filled with joy and purpose.
So for your next birthday, (or for
your next prayer request), why not ask God for the greatest gift you will ever
receive. Ask Him for forgiveness. It will be much better than keys to a car or
cake & ice cream. It will change
your life.
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