Forgiveness

B.J. Naylor

            One of the most beautiful words to human ears is the word Forgiveness. Recently I heard someone say, “Forgiveness is God’s delete key on the screen of life.” Perhaps you have been amazed when you hit the delete key on a computer and saw the item disappear instantly from the screen. It is a very comforting thought to contemplate how quickly and completely God forgives His children who approach Him in repentance.

            Recently we woke to find this earth wrapped in a blanket of snow. As I sat in contemplation of the marvelous handiwork of our creator, the words of the Lord came to mind, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

            Our Heavenly Father used illustrations from nature that are beautiful and easily understood to communicate His great love and providence. The forgiveness which the Lord bestows is thorough and complete. Luke records an instance in which a woman with the reputation of a sinner annointed the feet of Jesus and washed his feet with her tears, “And He said unto her, thy sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48) Can you imagine the thrill that came to this woman as she heard these words?

            The gospel is a message of forgiveness. The Ethiopian went on his way rejoicing after he was baptized (Acts 8:39). It was because he had been taught about Jesus that he said, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? (Acts 8:36) The love of the Lord is expressed in forgiveness. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Eph. 1:7).

            “Forgiveness is God’s delete key on the screen of life.” I’m thankful for this great blessing!