I know a brother who has been feeling very guilty about the sins that he has committed. Now he has problems facing other believers and does not feel comfortable attending church anymore. He tries to distance himself from God, just like Cain did after sinning. At the same time, because of a lack of trust and lack of communication, he suspects that other brothers and sisters are standing on judgmental ground, criticizing and abandoning him altogether. This brother is giving up on himself too. The bottom line is that he does not truly understand the love of God.
Sometimes we might feel worthless, especially when we do not do well or even sin. We cannot believe God still loves us and do not expect to be accepted into God’s family. We are filled with guilt, isolation, and disappointment. But this is exactly the opposite of what God thinks.
“…. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the path.” Hosea 6:3. The rising sun casts out darkness, and in the same, way God casts out our sins. It does not mean that God condones our sin. Instead, he covers our sins with the blood of Jesus Christ, and through our faith, our sins are forgiven. He loves us unconditionally and unceasingly.
The shepherd always searches for the lost sheep, the merciful father waits for the prodigal son, and our Lord opens His arms wide to welcome his children who sincerely repent of their sins. It does not matter who we are or what we did. God always wants to bring us home!
Reflection Questions:
- What was it like the last time you tried to hide from God?
- When there are “lost sheep” in the church, how can you show them the unceasing love of God?
Written by Judd Hu. Artwork by Jasmine Chan