The question is not: Do we need forgiveness? The answer to that question is obvious to any objective person. We have all sinned. The question that pricks our hearts is: Will God forgive us? This question is pondered by believers as well as non-believers. Here’s the good news. Everyone can be forgiven – everyone.
Love is the distinguishing mark among distinguishing marks in the lives of those who follow Jesus Christ. Love demonstrates the deepest level of maturity as a Christian. Love models the life of Christ and reveals the overflow of the Spirit from within. Yet, how do we know if love is on display in our lives? The answer is easy. Take the love test.
In its design, the church is uniquely equipped to reach out to every age group and say: We care about you. We want you. Come find a home here. But designs don’t reach out to people, people reach out to people. Brotherly kindness not only reaches out and brings others in, but it reaches out and brings others in again. Forgiveness is not a one-time event for a one-time failure. Forgiveness is an event that occurs again and again and again and again and again in the church.
There’s nothing spiritual about anybody meeting anybody half way. Meeting us half-way never crossed God’s mind. Forgiveness requires going all the way, and that is precisely what Jesus did.