“Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes.” Jeremiah 5:7
Some of the people of Israel were crying out to God for forgiveness and mercy as He was pouring out punishment upon them. They were being overrun and put into captivity and exile because of all their sins. God asked the question as to why He should forgive them.
God then points out that the Israelites children had walked away from Him. They refused to follow Him and went after others gods. Just like a loving father, God had provided abundantly for all of their needs, yet they still walked away from Him. Now He questions why He should forgive them.
Things are no different today. There are people who have chosen to follow God, but after a time, chose to walk away from God’s ways. Some may not completely abandon God, but they choose a path that does not follow, nor honor God in any way. They choose to live in sin on purpose.
It is one thing to have never known God, live in sin and then ask for forgiveness. However, it is a completely different thing to commit to living for God, but then walk away from Him on purpose, then ask for forgiveness.
As a human, you may say that person does not deserve any forgiveness. God looks at that person with amazingly great love and compassion, and wants to forgive. God looked at you with that same love and compassion and wants to forgive you. His desire is that no one is lost or needs to be punished.
God does not enjoy punishing people, but His holiness requires it, if they refuse to follow Him.
No matter what you have done, or how you have hurt God, He is always right there waiting to forgive you. If you question His ability to forgive you, think about His love for you. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you. If He was willing to do that, He will be willing to forgive you, if you ask Him too, and turn from all your sins.
Will you change today and allow God to forgive you?
Or will you stay in your sins?
I pray today that you will know God’s great love and compassion for you; that you will turn from your sins; that you will allow God to forgive you; and that you will give God a reason to forgive you.
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