There are times when past sins come to mind – thoughts or dreams of some distant memory, broken relationship, or unkind words spoken in haste – and they will weigh heavy on my heart. What’s crazy is how long I will suffer over my sins without taking them to God.
Why is it that we have such a hard time trusting in God’s unconditional love?
I still remember telling my sons: just tell me the truth. Who broke it? Who hit who? Finally one of them would speak up and the relief on his face was amazing. Years later I learned that they took turns confessing.
One of my sons told me that getting it off his mind and letting me know how sorry he was made him feel loved, because he knew that I would forgive him. Today I watch my adult sons as they try to explain to their children why telling the truth and confessing will make you feel loved and forgiven.
Even more, it is our acceptance of God’s forgiveness that makes us whole. Once we accept God’s forgiveness, we are set free to forgive others, to heal broken relationships, to see the world in a whole new light.
This message is adapted from “Amazing Grace” written by Patti Austin for the Women of the ELCA blog on June 9, 2014.