“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9
Some family friends of ours had a teenage son who's behavior so hurt his family, they wondered if he would continue to walk with the Lord. Late one night, he was escorted home by police, and after hearing of his actions, his parents left the room crying. As this young man sat alone, he noticed an old photo album on the coffee table.
Flipping through the pages of childhood memories, he was struck by what he saw. He called for his mother, and as she returned, he broke down saying, "I know why you can't love me anymore. Because, in this picture, you are looking at me with such hope. But, I know I've dashed all your hopes, Mom."
It was then that her heart broke for him again – not because of his protest of innocence, or promises to do better. It was because of his acknowledgment of desperation. There was nothing he could do to earn her love.
This reminds me of the grace of the Lord Jesus toward us. There is nothing that we can do to make Him love us. But, as we come to our Heavenly Father in desperation, His loving heart breaks for us.
Flipping through the pages of childhood memories, he was struck by what he saw. He called for his mother, and as she returned, he broke down saying, "I know why you can't love me anymore. Because, in this picture, you are looking at me with such hope. But, I know I've dashed all your hopes, Mom."
It was then that her heart broke for him again – not because of his protest of innocence, or promises to do better. It was because of his acknowledgment of desperation. There was nothing he could do to earn her love.
This reminds me of the grace of the Lord Jesus toward us. There is nothing that we can do to make Him love us. But, as we come to our Heavenly Father in desperation, His loving heart breaks for us.
