Embracing My Father’s Forgiveness
by Mark Hayes, Interim Chief Executive Officer
“The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:14)
It is easy for parents to think that their own child is a “good kid.” But in this broken world, they have all done things that they shouldn’t have, and for that matter, so have I.
Paul wrote the words in the above Bible verse to a young pastor while he was reflecting on his life, focusing on things in his past that he was ashamed of. He was horrified to include torturing and murdering Christians on his laundry list. But his point was not to emphasize his guilt so much as to explore his Heavenly Father’s forgiveness. Paul’s point was that if God could forgive him—the worst of sinners, from his own perspective—then God can forgive anyone. And He does.
Our Father, God, gave up His only, Son, Jesus to a criminal’s death to keep us as His sons and daughters. He wants nothing more than for you to embrace your Heavenly Father’s forgiveness and to have a deep and meaningful relationship with you.
So, on this Father’s Day, let’s honor those men in our lives who have “fathered” us on Earth, and let’s give glory to our God, our Father, in Heaven. Happy Father’s Day.
Let us pray: Dear Father, build my relationship with you to be one of confidence rather than fear and insecurity. Lead me to look at your ever-flowing love and forgiveness and to be less apt to wallow in my shame. Thank you for the incredible gift of loving fathers and the impact they have made on their children—YOUR children. Amen.
Devotion previously published in June 2020.