Are You Forgiven
READ: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Once there was a girl named Angi. Her parents were in the final stages of getting a divorce, and she was being put in the middle of it. Angi was so depressed that she thought that she could find temporary comfort in going out with her friends and becoming chemically intoxicated. And for a short period of time, this seemed to work. But then Angi was reminded that the solution was not in the bottle, but in God, and the Holy Spirit moved her to renew her trust in Him.
Sin! It is a word that some of us fear, some of us condemn, and some of us try to justify. But what it all boils down to is that we are sinners. No matter what the excuse for the unrighteous actions, we still have sinned. That is where Jesus comes in. In Jesus, we have a love so absolute that not even the most knowledgeable person can identify with it. God has been, and always will be, there for us.
Some people are still out there, searching for the perfect "thing" to make them truly happy. Maybe you're one of them. From alcohol to relationships to sports and music, we all try to "lose" ourselves in something. But know that God has saved us and forgives us of our sins. "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting mens sins against them." In these words, God reassures us of our forgiveness. Our sins are paid for, and by the Holy Spirit we can repent and receive forgiveness. It's that easy. There's no tricks or catch. Christ, who was sinless, became sin for us, so that through Him, we might become righteous like God.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What are the sins that you have to repent for? How can Christ become a bigger part of your life?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Thank God for sending His Son to rectify our wrongs. Ask God to move us to confidently come to Him when we are troubled. Pray that others will come to God for forgiveness and comfort, instead of looking to other vain substitutes for true joy and peace.