This is by far my favorite Easter story. As an addict I really identify with those who have fallen and how hard it is to seek forgiveness because of shame. Peter so loves the Lord and is so happy at seeing Him that the joy and love over comes the shame. Still once Jesus starts to question him it must have been painful.
Seeking forgiveness is painful at times, and I think that the more hurtful the sin the more shame is associated with it and the more painful it is to seek forgiveness and restoration, but when you do receive forgiveness the greater the relief. If it wasn't that way, if it wasn't so difficult, I doubt the relief would be as deep and fulfilling.
The Lord doesn't just forgive Peter though, He forgives Peter and also gives him a job to do, leading the whole church. God is often that was. When we return to Him, He forgives us wholeheartedly and then sends us on a mission. We all have a mission, we are all called to live our faith and to spread it. Those who have been forgiven much are great ambassadors for God. They know the Love of God, they have experienced that love.
We can only profess the Love of God if we know that love and live that love. Belief in God is only the starting place, you have to love God and know He loves you to bring anyone else to God. God is love, to know God you must know His love, you have to know His forgiveness. If we don't spread the faith out of that love, we will fail.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment