Absolute Forgiveness
“[You] can mess up but that doesn’t define who you are, and God can, literally, the blood of Christ can wash you clean from anything that you have done.”
If you’re like me, you’ve been taught to NEVER speak in absolutes. Don’t say “He always” or “She never,” because there is likely an exception to the scenario being described. It is much safer to say “He mostly” or “She usually.” That gives a more believable and accurate statement to anyone listening. Still, there are some situations in life where we believe and can honestly say “never.”
If you look at the life of Anastasia Farris, you might think she could never escape the life she created. She says that it is her fault -- that she chose much of the trouble she experienced. It is not as if she fell into any of it by accident… or did she? She had no idea she would end up in an abusive relationship, giving her children away to protect them. She didn’t see the importance of the small decisions at the time, or the likelihood that they might lead to a life of addiction. So even though the choices were hers, she reached a point where she could no longer choose. The life of addiction had her.
It would be easy to write this piece only to those who are in a bad situation like Anastasia, but we all need forgiveness. Sometimes we sin intentionally, sometimes we sin accidentally, but sin is sin. We might think God should show more mercy to some than others. Shouldn’t He expect us to at least try to do what is right before He bails us out? Shouldn’t He have a heavy hand for those who purposefully act irresponsibly, and a gentle hand for those who just make a mistake?
That brings us to how God judges sin. He is the only one who makes those rules. We humans have a funny way of establishing a superiority complex toward those who fail. We also have an uncanny ability to overlook our own failures and flaws, and presume that our sins are not a big deal to God. What a sham. If we had any idea how holy, good, and righteous God is, we would all be on our faces crying out for His mercy.
Is that too blunt? Why do I write in this tone? It is to establish a foundation.
God is the only one who can judge and speak in absolutes. What He says stands.
Whether we’ve skated through life with ease and success, or have fallen headlong into a life of pain, bondage, and heartache, we ALL need God.
God purposefully sent His son Jesus to this earth to pay the penalty for our sin. He did this despite our presumption, cockiness, rebellion or waywardness. He did this because He loves us and knows we need Him. We need His forgiveness. His forgiveness allows us to live in peace with God and others.
“…and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
That foundation is how Anastasia Farris can speak to you today. It is how I can write this devotional. It is that no matter what you’ve accomplished or where you are, you need God. It is that no matter who you are, what you’ve done, and no matter where you are right now, God will save you. Here is where I can use absolutes, because God said them first. EVERYONE needs God. There is NOTHING you have done that is too big or too awful for God. God will NEVER reject a repentant heart. He will ALWAYS save you if you simply ask. Just as the scripture above says, He can forgive ALL.
Do you find yourself in a place of needing forgiveness? No matter where you find yourself in life, God is near. He is a prayer away. It is time to come home.
Pray this prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving me enough to come to this earth to save me. I am sorry for my sin. Please forgive me for my presumption and actions that have tested your love for me. I turn away from my sin and ask for Your help. Please save me. I want to follow You today and for the rest of my days. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for forgiving me of ALL my sin.
In Jesus’ name, amen.