It is Never Okay!!

It's Never Okay!

Everything seemed routine when the worship service started. Following our confession of sin, Pastor Stevens declared: "As a called and ordained servant of the Word, I announce that God says, "That's okay. No problem. Don't worry about it. You'd better be sorry. Go in peace, but I don't want to have anything further to do with you!"

We all stood there, eyes and mouths wide open. "What's the matter?" Pastor asked. "Isn't that the way you answer those who say 'I'm sorry?' Why do you object to hearing the same from God? This introduced his sermon.

We know our sins are forgiven. Yet, we sometimes think, talk, and act as though our forgiveness from God doesn't matter in our conflicts with family, friends, at work or play.

God responds to sin much differently. Sin is never okay. Sin is never no problem. Only one cure exists for sin - forgiveness. God forgives us because Jesus paid the full price for our sins by dying on the cross. We share the good news when we forgive one another as God through Christ forgives us.

Pastor's sermon ended with the announcement of God's forgiveness. We left that day refreshed, confident in the peace that passes all understanding.

Jesus, my Peacemaker, help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Amen.

Daily Devotional From Portals of Prayer