"I'm sorry" - "I apologize" - we hear it over and over again these days, in public and private places. Words are words - the genuine and the pretend. Only God - and you - know for sure....so if you say it, mean it! Those who love you will accept and forgive, including God!!
And how does God respond to real sorrow? He shows up when we feel too low to LOOK up....but He knows we are genuinely repentant and His love is there to meet us - EVEN when we don't expect it or deserve it! It's called "unexpected love" and "amazing grace!"
Peter needed that love--he had miserably failed His Lord--would he even be accepted as the Lord's disciple anymore? Imagine the thoughts that must have tortured this poor man, who so loved His Lord, and yet had so undeniably betrayed Him. Peter must have suffered emotional anguish and great sorrow! And yet, when Jesus appeared to the women at the tomb, He said, "Go tell my disciples--AND Peter!" Unexpected love? You'd better believe it was for Peter that day! He was accepted; he was loved; he was forgiven. Unfailing, undeniable love--and he'd never forget it!
Do YOU need that love? Perhaps you've miserably failed your Lord. You are genuinely sorry - but will YOU be accepted as His follower anymore? Yes, a thousand times yes. There is forgiveness, acceptance and love that never quits.
You don't deserve it? You don't expect it? Forget it--none of us do! But there's LOVE for the taking--for your Lord loves you; you ARE accepted; you are forgiven! Unfailing, undeniable love--don't ever forget it! It's yours! Apology accepted, free and clear! Believe it, receive it - and have a great, forgiven, forever-chocolate day!!
Featured link: "Amazing Will...Amazing Grace"
--Copyright 2008 by Peggie C. Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.
