Birthday Candles


It’s difficult for us to comprehend the level of forgiveness that God is capable of.

Program Transcript


One
of the hardest things we as Christians have to believe is that God has forgiven
us. We know it’s true in theory, but when it comes down to the practical,
everyday situations of life, we so often behave as if it’s not.

To
forgive totally and without reservation is counter to our nature. I am sure you
remember the discussion between Jesus and his disciples about how many times we
should forgive someone who sins against us. He told them to forgive again –
and again – and again –
if necessary.

It’s
hard to fathom that level of forgiveness. We’re not capable of it, so it’s
difficult for us to comprehend that God is. We often forget that his
forgiveness is not provisional. We feel that although God says he has removed
our sins, he’s really waiting to punish us if we fail to live up to his
standards.

This
is the way we tend to forgive. We behave like trick birthday candles. When you
try to blow them out, they light
up again.

No
matter how hard you try to blow them out –
they keep coming back. These candles are a good representation of how we tend
to see ourselves as forgiven, and how we forgive others. But that is not how
Divine forgiveness works. When we repent of our sins, God forgives and forgets.
There is no further penalty, no negotiating, no resentment awaiting further
judgment.

God
does not want to think of you as a sinner. He sees you for what you truly are –
a repentant human being, cleansed of all guilt, paid for and redeemed by Jesus.
Remember what John the Baptist said of Jesus? Behold!
The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
(John 1:29). He does not
temporarily set sin aside or just hide it.

God
forgives totally, and that is how he wants us to see ourselves –
and others – even though
we are still imperfect.

When
we ask for God’s forgiveness
– it is given.

I’m
Joseph Tkach, Speaking of LIFE.

Alert me for new videos:

Archive


Again and again, God reveals to us how much he cares about us. Jesus’ sacrifice and devotion to the marginalized...
Through the Parable of the Talents, Jesus tells us that God wants to bless us by using our gifts to help others. Not...
Similar to the Girl Scouts’ motto “Be Prepared,” Christians are reminded to be prepared for...
Life is full of surprises, some good and some bad, but the psalmist shows us that God’s surprises are always...
CliffsNotes are helpful study guides summarizing complex subjects. In a similar way, Jesus collected the essence of the...
The Main Ingredient was a band with a popular song called “Everybody Plays the Fool.” It’s a song...
Cara adopted two golden retriever puppies who warmly greet her when she’s home but become anxious when she’s...
In Matthew 21, Jesus shares a story about a landowner and some tenants, representing God’s relationship with...