“I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10 The Message
The plate was passed as a reflective silence descended upon us all. My mind focused on the prayer just offered by our speaker. To offer my life as a sacrifice. A living sacrifice. How unworthy am I.
The plate arrived in my pew; it was now my turn to take of the bread that represented the body of Christ.
This bread and the grape juice would travel through my body, affecting every single cell. Nothing in my body would remain untouched by this bread. Just as nothing in my life could remain untouched by Christ’s forgiveness. His love, His forgiveness permeates every area.
As the bread dissolved in my mouth, my mind marveled at just how magnificent His forgiveness is.
He forgives me. He forgives me, even when maybe I have not forgiven myself. It’s mind-boggling. He needs nothing from me. Yet, because His love is so great, He freely forgives me.
However I might try, I can’t accept His forgiveness for some things, and yet disallow it in others. That is not how He works. The practice of communion is to remind us of the spiritual communion we are to have with Christ.
He came to forgive all sins.
Period.
John 10: 10 tells us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” NIV
Accepting His forgiveness means forgiving myself. Just like Christ forgives, no matter what.
I should not allow the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy. I need to allow Christ to give me an abundant life: a life filled with His love, His joy, and His peace. Acknowledging my past, but not reliving it. Accepting the consequences, but praising God for how some way, He used it all for good. Let His forgiveness, love, and peace permeate all of me. Because that is what He came for.
Reflections:
How can I apply John 10:10 more fully to my life today?
What do I easily give to the enemy to allow him to steal, kill and destroy?
For what do I need to forgive myself?
Prayer:
Thank You Heavenly Father, that You do love and forgive freely. Thank You for sending Jesus so that I might indeed have an abundant life, here on earth, and in eternity with You. Please reveal to me where I need to forgive myself, and live the life You authored for me to live. Thank You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Please listen to the song This Is Living by Hillsong Young and Free.
Thank you for reading! Please return by Monday, February 23, for the next post.