4Given


I Peter 3:8-12
For nearly a decade a picture has been on the wall next to my desk. What it communicates I still strive to comprehend. It is called, "Forgiven." It shows a man with hammer and nail in his hands held up by a risen Christ. I am that man. My sin nailed Christ upon the cross. His love for me kept him there. When I stop and think of the shear magnitude of my own sins that his blood atones for I am amazed. It is difficult to grasp the forgiveness of my own sins let alone the sins of the elect. One word comes to my mind. Unworthy. I am UNWORTHY. I do not understand why. And yet, as amazed as I am, I am still harboring anger and a strong lack of forgiveness in my own heart. At one time I was very laid back. But today and for months I have struggled with fierce anger. By fierce I mean tearing, bludgeoning, and raging anger. Regularly verses like Romans 12:17-21 and I Peter 3:8-12 course though my mind. God's Word restrains me. His Grace constrains and sustains me. I am indeed forgiven. May I extend his grace around me because so much has been extended to me. Thank you Jesus for your continual grace.

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