Thursday, September 19, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

A Purposely Forgetful God

Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

I had such an enjoyable time at my son's preschool open house this week. His teacher brought us through a condensed version of a typical day in her classroom.

I specifically appreciate one of her methods of discipline. If a child is consistently not following instruction or correction, she writes the child's name on the board. This may result in loss of playtime which is TRAGIC for a toddler.

However, if the child improves his/her behavior, she ERASES the name off of the board. Additionally, she explains to the child that Jesus erases our sins as well when we seek forgiveness. This may sound like a big lesson for a three-year-old, but she is trying to impart the beautiful concept of God's grace at an early age...a concept that many adults have a difficult time accepting.

Sadly, many believers have been forgiven by God for their transgressions but just can't seem to forgive themselves. They live lives controlled by past mistakes that God has not only forgiven but has also forgotten!

My son's teacher also informed all of the parents that she would NOT be contacting them each time their child's name appeared on the board. She clearly stated that they would receive their consequence (loss of playtime) at school.

Our sins carry consequences that many times cannot be avoided. Those consequences are often just a natural occurrence to our mistakes. For example, if an individual overdoses on drugs and ends up hospitalized, the hospitalization is a natural result of that person's actions.

So, yes, there are generally consequences to our sins but when we seek God's forgiveness, it's important not to confuse those consequences with a lack of forgiveness from God. If you are dealing with the consequences of your faulty actions and have sought forgiveness, God is not waiting to punish you further when you "get home from school."

Not only does His "purposeful forgetfulness" cause Him to forgive our sins, it also does not impact the love that He has for us.

I challenge you today to always accept God's forgiveness...which is not something you can pay or work to obtain. Romans 6:23 explains "For the wages of sin is death; but THE GIFT OF GOD is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Forgiveness is a FREE GIFT given to those who SINCERELY repent before Him. Furthermore, TRUE repentance is followed by genuine effort to live according to God's Word.

Dear Lord, Please forgive me for my sins and help me to always forgive myself just as You have so freely forgiven me.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.