Counter Culture: Forgive One Another — Tuesday
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
I once heard a story about two boys who were best friends. They did everything together, even went through college together. However, their careers took them on different paths. One went to law school and became a lawyer; the other went down the wrong path and lived a life of crime. After some time went by, the lawyer eventually was promoted to judge, and the criminal was inevitably caught. When the criminal was forced to stand trial, he stood face-to-face with his old best friend, the judge. The judge was torn because he loved his friend but also knew he had to carry out justice. He chose to uphold the law and fine his friend a huge penalty for his crimes. The amount was so large that he knew his friend could never afford to pay what he deserved. However, the judge stepped out of his seat and chose to write a check for the amount owed. He chose to pay the penalty himself so his friend could be free.
This story illustrates in many ways what Jesus did for us. In today’s verse, John writes that God is just and will also forgive our sins. What does it mean to be just and forgiving? Jesus demonstrates exactly that. Our sin cost us an enormous penalty that we could never repay ourselves, and it would not be just of God to simply forgive and leave the penalty for sin unpaid. Instead, God became man and chose to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross. Now, when we put our faith in Him and ask for His forgiveness, not only is He faithful to forgive us, but the penalty we owe is completely settled, and He’s ready and willing to purify us and lead us into freedom. Jesus is the ultimate picture of both justice and forgiveness, both righteousness and faithfulness.
Tuesday’s Reflection
As followers of Jesus, we are exempt from the penalty for our sins. However, on this side of Heaven, the reality is that we all still struggle with sin every day. Take a moment to confess to God any sin you’ve been struggling with recently, and ask for His forgiveness. Then, receive that forgiveness by thanking Him for paying the penalty for your sin.
