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God's Forgiving Love
by Susan Gurney Read 2 Samuel 12:7-15 "Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord.' Nathan replied, 'The Lord has taken away your sin.'" 2 Samuel 12:13 (NIV) I had sunk into a deep depression and felt far from God. Though the dispute in the church I had attended had been long resolved, I could not stop blaming myself. I condemned myself for having made the situation there worse instead of being part of the solution. I left that congregation and withdrew from everyone. I no longer felt that I was of any use to God or the Church. How could I be, when weighted down with such a burden of self-unforgiveness and guilt? One beautiful autumn day I made myself go for a walk. As I entered a park I heard God say to my heart, "I love you and can still use you." At that moment I was overwhelmed with the joy of God's great love for me. He had clearly forgiven me and wanted me to forgive myself and continue living out His love. I could not wait to tell others that they are loved, forgiven, and able to be used by God in spite of their past sins. PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for Your abounding love and forgiveness. Teach us to forgive ourselves when we have fallen, and allow us to be used of You once again. Amen. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We can be forgiven and used by God in spite of past sin. Susan Gurney writes devotionals, poetry, short stories, memoirs, and nonfiction on family history, faith and nature. She has experience writing/editing church and family newsletters. Find Susan at http://ssimonsgurney.christianblogsites.com/blog/ Copyright 2013 Susan Simons Gurney Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |