He had tried to feel clean for several years after stumbling into a horrible sin. Every day, under his breath, he would endlessly lament and chant to God "I am sorry" or "Please forgive me" at least a dozen times a day.
And yet he felt no relief. And his soul withered, all the while cutting and disfiguring himself with the blade of self-condemnation.
And then one day the man heard in his heart that the Lord was weeping. The man thought God w... moreBy Richard Murray
I know a man who felt guilty.
He had tried to feel clean for several years after stumbling into a horrible sin. Every day, under his breath, he would endlessly lament and chant to God "I am sorry" or "Please forgive me" at least a dozen times a day.
And yet he felt no relief. And his soul withered, all the while cutting and disfiguring himself with the blade of self-condemnation.
And then one day the man heard in his heart that the Lord was weeping. The man thought God was weeping over his great sin many years ago and the man started to weep as well.
But then the Lord quickened a most surprising insight to this man’s heart:
"Child, I'm not weeping over your sin. I'm weeping that you won't receive my forgiveness.
I forgave you an eternity ago. I have wanted you to taste my healing ever since this thing happened. But you haven't really sought my forgiveness. And you are not forgiving others who hurt you in the wake of your sin.
I tell you this not to hurt you but to help you heal. You are seeking the devil's forgiveness, not mine. And he will never grant it, while I will never withhold it.
Come lean your head on my chest and let me show you how well you are received-- the best ring, the best robe and the best wine all await you. It's time to come home.”
