You really messed up big time. (You know what I’m talking about.) You actually were sick to your stomach because you felt so guilty. About then, all you wanted to do was hide in your room to avoid the shame.
There’s a kid in the Bible who knows what that’s like. He’s known as the prodigal son. (I don’t think God told us his real name so we could all put our names in the story.) He had completely offended his dad, insulted him, and left home. When he was done being foolish, he realized just how awful he had acted and was sick-to-his-stomach guilty.
“So he went at once to his father. While he was still at a distance, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son, put his arms around him, and kissed him. Then his son said to him, ‘Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and you. I don’t deserve to be called your son anymore’” (Luke 15:20,21).
Did the dad say, “You’re right. It’s good to see you, but you need to leave now”? Nope. He threw a party! His lost child had come home.
That’s how forgiveness with God is. Don’t hide in your room with your guilt. (God can see you in there anyway, you know.) As you go to him to tell him how sorry you are, you’ll see him feel compassion for you. He’ll come running to hug you and welcome you back.
Chomp on this!
Read the whole story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
Dear God, it amazes me that when I come to you sad, guilty, and embarrassed because of my sin, you don’t yell at me. Thanks to Jesus putting me at peace with you, you have been looking for me, you run to me, hug me, and tell me how happy you are that I am back. Thank you. Amen.
