From Ben – 7 May 2017

Today I will be speaking from our next passage in the study of Colossians which deals with forgiveness. I have called the message beautiful forgiveness. God’s forgiveness of us through the finished work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary, can only be called beautiful. I am not for a moment failing to acknowledge the awful suffering, shame and desertion that took place on that lonely hill, but the result is beautiful for us, because as our passage from Colossians 2:13 says, he forgives us ALL our sins. That is a beautiful thing which must never wash over us as something common or our right. That forgiveness is all by God’s matchless grace. There are however implications that flow from God’s forgiveness ie. We are to forgive ourselves for the blunders and misjudgments of our past. I will admit that it is a deep struggle for some of us to forgive others who have wounded and wronged us, but it is true to say some of our biggest struggles are to forgive ourselves and move on to new adventures with God.

God’s forgiveness is beautiful and all embracing. Lean into it today and enjoy its fulness and move on with God. He has forgiven us therefore forgive yourself the shame of the past.