What if you asked me for a million dollars and I said, “Sure. To what Swiss bank account would you like me to wire those funds?”
Twenty-four hours later you check with your bank, asking, “Habe ich das Geld erhalten?” Which is, of course, German for “Did the transfer go through?” To which they report, “Ja!” (Yes.)
Then what if you never did anything with that cash – ever – not even when you got married and wanted to fly relatives in for the wedding, nor when you bought your first home, nor when your triplets needed braces, nor when you were unemployed for eight months, nor when all three kids were accepted by Harvard.
Instead, you worked hard to earn the money to pay some of those expenses. You went into debt for others. And some opportunities (like Harvard) you just passed on altogether. But you left that money in Switzerland. You never even visited it.
Is God’s gift of forgiveness like that million dollars for you?
You’ve confessed your sinful choices from the past and you’ve sincerely asked God for His forgiveness. In response, your Heavenly Father, who previously wired all the funds necessary to cover every debt you could ever imagine incurring, said, “Consider it done.”
And you never did a thing about it.
You’re still working hard to cover your debts on your own. Some of them you’ve been able to pay off successfully, but some debts are still outstanding. Now, under the weight of the accumulating interest, you find you’re actually passing on opportunities much greater than Harvard; opportunities like the chance to walk in joy, peace, hope and freedom.
You may never receive forgiveness from certain people you’ve hurt in the past, but your Heavenly Father offers the only forgiveness you really need.
If you’ve confessed and asked for forgiveness, then receive it. Right now. Go directly to God’s throne. Do not pass “Go,” do not collect $200.
Accept His gift of grace, worth more than all the wealth of the Swiss banking system.
And if you feel like you simply can’t forgive yourself, check out this LoveEd episode on our FMUniversity YouTube channel.
[Want more help in receiving forgiveness? This is an excerpt of the 3rd book in our discipleship series: Beyond Sex & Salvation. So seriously consider purchasing a digital copy and you will learn three key life disciplines for relational success; habits best best forged BEFORE you fall in love. Even before you date! Find out more or purchase the book at this link.]
DNA: It’s What’s For Dating
Dug this weekend’s DNA? Be a good friend and share with your friends on the social media platform of choice: Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, or Twitter.
The LoveEd discipleship series, Beyond Sex & Salvation, will empower you to prepare for relational success when it counts: BEFORE you fall in love!
It’s NOT for couples, but for any wise individual who thinks they might want to get married sometime before they die. And would like to learn how to better build healthy relationships in the meantime.
Check out all three study guides in our store. You can walk through them on your own, but it’s more fun with friends (that and it kinda makes sense to grow in relational success in actual relationships with others), so consider putting together an FMU LoveEd small group study.
Even better? And ask a rock star married couple you respect to lead it!
