A Reflection On Forgiveness

When I need a reminder of God’s mercy

Jesus told a young man who was brought to him for healing, “Your sins are forgiven.” He says the same thing to us. Wherever we are, this verse redirects us. Whether we come to Jesus under deep conviction for our sin or for something we think is a greater need, this is the best thing He could say. If we have a hard time forgiving ourselves for repeated offenses toward God—even though we have confessed and heard His forgiveness—we are at odds with Jesus. We need to see ourselves as He does—clean. However, if we come to Him with a casual attitude toward sin and what we perceive as a greater request, we are also at odds with Jesus. Then, too, we must see ourselves as He does—needy.

Do Jesus’ words convict you? If so, let them; that was what He wanted you to hear. Do they comfort you? If so, let them; that, too, was what He wanted you to hear.

They lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 5:19-20