2006-10-02 - Assumptions

One weekend when I was in elementary school, I was riding bikes with my younger cousin around my grandparents' neighborhood. When we returned to their home, I fell off the bike and slightly scratched my grandmother's vehicle. I felt so bad about the car. It wasn't that much damage and I offered to pay for any repairs out of my allowance.

My grandma epitomized Ephesians 4:32 that day.

"And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (NKJV)

Grandma tried to console me. She didn't feel it was necessary for me to pay for the scratch, for it was an accident. Grandma never mentions that incident now, and it hasn't altered our close and loving relationship. She probably doesn't think about that car, now long gone.

Even though I apologized, I felt I couldn't make up for my mistake. I assumed I would forever be a klutz in my family's mind. I didn't want them to think of me as careless and accident-prone.

It's the similar feeling I have when I need to approach Jesus and ask for His forgiveness for something I did or failed to do. I would rather avoid talking to my Lord than for Him seeing me in a less than favorable light. Thank goodness God doesn't agree with my assessment. "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy..." Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)

God wants us come to Him beaten down, guilty, or disgraced to receive His gracious forgiveness and not wallow in our mistake. He yearns for us to experience His acceptance. How could anyone not want a heavenly and caring father?

God, Thank You for not keeping a scorecard on how many times I come to You defeated and mistaken. Thank You for always accepting my repentant heart. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org