In a recent media poll asking if King Charles should cut ties with Prince Andrew, I was amazed that, at the time of reading, 81% voted Yes!
Several Bible passages came to mind, initially, the story described in various ways as – The prodigal son, the lost son or even the forgiving father. This was closely followed by Jesus’ response to Peter’s question, recorded in Matthew 18, “How many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” However, the last quote that came to mind was Jesus’ question to God the Father, found in Matthew 27 and Mark 15 ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? ‘ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’
A mother was overheard speaking to her child, “I love you, but I don’t like what you are doing”. I am sure my parents could have said that to me many times, but their relationship with God meant they were loving and forgiving.
Bible passages assure us of God’s love for us, summed up, for me in the hymn-writer’s phrase – God forgave my sin, in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for your love for us demonstrated in the gift of your Son Jesus Christ, and for the forgiveness that we know following his sin-atoning sacrifice. AMEN
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