Week 5 - Forgiving

Dear Mom,

I have run away from home.  Don't look for me.  I know you don't love me, but I will always love you.

Love,

Jarrett

Remember the letter Miss Susie read that her son had written when he was five years old?  It was so much like the Bible story she told about the son who decided he would leave home and go out to enjoy himself.  He went away and spent everything he had on wild living.  Once all his money was gone, he found himself wanting to eat the slop that he was feeding the pigs.  Suddenly the thought came to him that his father's servants ate better than he was then, so he made the decision to go home and ask his father to let him be one of his servants.

As he got closer to home, he began to get a little nervous, not sure what his father would say when he saw him.  He didn't need to worry because as soon as his father spotted him at the end of their driveway, he ran out and put his arms around him and hugged and kissed him.  Forgiveness was given and the son was welcomed back into his father's home with gladness and great celebration.

God is like the father in this story.  Any time we come to him and tell him we are sorry for what we have done (sinned), he welcomes us back with open arms.  Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins?  If not, you can do so today.  The minute he hears the first word of your prayer, your sins will be forgiven and you can know that you are on your way to heaven!  (See the ABC's of Salvation on this page)

If we are to have God's character, we are to forgive just like he does.  Is there someone you need to show forgiveness to?  God can help you if you will ask him.  Forgiving is one of the things he does best--and he want you to be just like him.