Every meaningful relationship results in disappointment at some point or another; someone always messes up. It's just part of the human condition.
But to live within the will of God is to seek reconciliation when this happens, and it's usually best if the one who messed up takes the initiative.
Oddly enough, in our relationship with God, that initiative has been taken by God. Now what shall we do in response?
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them — do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”
Luke 13:1-5
Repent! That’s not a word you hear every day. Repent! It literally means to change your mind. Ever heard someone tell you to repent? Probably not, but I’m guessing you’ve heard, “Stop that!” “Stop that!” is the modern day version of “repent!”
Jesus told those gathered that all of them – and us – have reason to repent – to change the way we live, think, and love. The reality is that we don’t always live as Christ calls us to live; but the gift of God’s mercy is that we don’t get what we deserve. God’s judgment is not based on how far off the mark we are. Instead it is based on how much God loves us. And God’s love for us is more than we can imagine. Thank goodness we serve a God who gives us chances to try again.
So repent! Try again! Change your mind – and your life.
Kerri Peterson-Davis
Hear my prayer, Lord Jesus Christ. Give me strength to change my life to better reflect the love you have given me in order to follow your path. Amen.
Don't be afraid.
Reaching out to God for forgiveness
is nothing to fear.
God is already reaching out to you
with nothing but love.