Offender Forgiven
by Christy Harvey
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”
MERCY (mer-cy): That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart, which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being (1828 Noah Webster Dictionary).
Offender seems like a strong term used only to describe criminals, but an offender is anyone who does wrong towards another. Overall I would not consider myself as an offender, but that is not how God saw me. For many years of my life I lived what I thought was the Christian life. I grew up in a Christian home, went to a Christian school all the way through college, and did everything a good Christian was supposed to do. Over the years it just seemed like something was always missing.
On August 3, 2009 the reality of my life finally struck home. I'd now been serving 7 years in ministry, and God by His mercy called me to Himself. A pastor had shared with us 3 ways to check your salvation. The third question was, "Do you have peace and assurance that you are a child of God?" During this whole session the Holy Spirit was working on me. The moment he asked that third question I knew I did not have peace and assurance. I knew that day was the day I had to give my all to Christ; no matter what others thought, God in His mercy was drawing me to Himself. His mercy poured out on my prideful self, as so many times I felt Him calling me, but my fear of what others thought always stood in the way. Praise God that He is merciful to all of us and has made a way for us to be forgiven.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your mercy—that while we are still sinners, and Your greatest offenders, You have made a path of forgiveness and eternal life for us.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Thanks for sharing Christy, I'm sure this speaks to so many who have grown up in a Christian home and sort of "taken for granted" God's mercy and grace. Thanks for sharing how God is continuing to work in your life.
ReplyDeletethe scripture: James 4:10
ReplyDelete"humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." came to mind while reading this. I love how God is working in your life Christy, it is evident to everyone you come in contact with!
Christie - How wonderful that you listen to God's prompting and had courage to obey. I too thougtht I accepted Christ when I was 6 years old - attended church - went through the motions but really didn't have that peace until I was in my 30's. Your humbleness is a testimony to many!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
Karen Blank