The Power of the Forgiveness of God

Prayer-Soldier

The Power of the Forgiveness of God

Scripture

Remember not former things, and look not on things of old. Behold I do new things, and now they shall spring forth, verily you shall know them: I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. This people have I formed for myself, they shall show forth my praise. But you have not called upon me, O Jacob, neither have you labored about me, O Israel. But you have made me to serve with your sins, you have wearied me with your iniquities. I am, I am he that blot out your iniquities for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. (Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25)

But God is faithful: for our preaching which was to you, was not. It is, and It is not. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me and Sylvanus and Timothy, was not: It is and It is not. But, It is, was in him. For all the promises of God are in him, It is; therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory. Now he that confirms us with you in Christ and that has anointed us, is God: Who also has sealed us and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:18-22)

And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days. And it was heard that he was in the house. And many came together, so that there was no room: no, not even at the door. And he spoke to them the word. And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four. And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was: and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay. And when Jesus had seen their faith, he said to the sick of the palsy: Son, your sins are forgiven you.

And there were some of the scribes sitting there and thinking in their hearts: Why does this man speak thus? He blasphemes. Who can forgive sins, but God only? Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit that they so thought within themselves, said to them: Why think you these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Your sins are forgiven you; or to say: Arise, take up your bed and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins (he said to the sick of the palsy): I say to you: Arise. Take up your bed and go into your house. And immediately he arose and, taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all: so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like. (Mark 2:1-12)

Reflection:

If we were able to live in perfection, then, there would be no place for forgiveness. Though we have not lived in perfectly, if we turn to Him, our sins may be placed in our past and our future may be with Him. He has given us life so that we may learn and come to understand the blessings of love. Tragedy follows those who do not listen to His ways, but blessings await those who follow His Word.

The Word of the Lord abounds around us, but so too do the deceptions of the world. He came to us to teach us the ways of charity, the ways of forgiveness, the ways of love; these are His ways, the ways of blessings for all who follow Him. Blessed are those who give glory to Him and thanks and praise for the gifts He grants them. If we learn to leave selfishness behind, His Word awaits us with eternal blessings.

Though we may seek miracles to resolve the issues of our daily lives, our greater concern should be with the miracles which lead to the salvation of our soul. Some may believe that because of their paths of iniquity that they have no hope to turn to His ways, but if they but choose, He waits to render His forgiveness.

If He were to speak to us today and offer healing of our ailments or healing of our soul, how would we answer Him? Those who seek healing of their ailments gain respite in this world, but those who seek healing of their souls gain blessings for eternity. Though we may not be worthy of His presence, He continues to knock at the door of our heart. Though the crowds which surround Him are many, let us seek Him first for the power of His forgiveness and the blessings for our soul so that we may live according to His ways.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier