Hello,
It’s a new month, and we’re a few days into the Jewish New year. Time to wipe some slates clean, don’t you think? Here’s today’s Holy Nougat™
For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Psalms 103:14 NLT
What does it mean for the Lord to remember that we are dust? I believe that each time we disappoint God through our sinful actions, God’s initial response is to remember that despite our arrogance, we are Creatures (i.e. Created beings) and capable of making wrong choices. Moreover, because of God’s love, our sin is not punished with immediate death..
That’s the God response. But what of ours? Knowing that God chooses to love us despite our disobedience, how do we respond when we are guilty of sin? Even if nobody knows? How do we wish others to treat us? Sometimes it is hard to forgive ourselves. And, depending on the intensity of the sin, we may even presume that God will not forgive us, and others won’t either. On the others count, we could be right.
God’s Forgiveness is guaranteed. It’s ours for the taking. The only condition is that we forgive others as we have been forgiven by God. When it feels hard or impossible, let’s return to today’s Nougat, we are frail (limited lifespan/dust) and fallible (double minded/weak). We all know that on a mental level. But, do we accept that mentally, emotionally or spiritually? Are we ready to let go of the embarrassment and hurt inflicted by ourselves and others, so that we might live in God’s abundance?
Better still, God invites us away from the bondage of unforgiveness to newness of life. That comes with opening our hearts to Love and loving acceptance when we let go of the bitterness which consumes and incarcerates us.
Usually the true source of our hurt is unaware of what we’re going through. Even when we think they do. So letting go really is releasing us. Only then are we able to accept God’s gift of forgiveness.
It might require forgiving ourselves each time the hurt resurfaces then choosing to forgive anyone else.
Each time.
Four hundred and ninety times if we choose to be literal.
Per offence. Not per person.
Because God has not written us off as yet.
So blessed Jewish New Year to us all, a day late, but always within God’s plan for our restoration. May God’s wonderful gift of Life and abundance be ours as we receive and freely share the grace extended us.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
