I was not expecting the strong reaction. A simple quote about forgiveness posted on the Off the Left Eye channel unleashed a wave of comments over the next few weeks.
"Our sins are not forgiven when we say
we repent. They are forgiven when we change our lives."
The bulk were positive, and it was part of my routine to acknowledge them. But of the six hundred people who weighed in, a chunk were furious. I was glad not to be in the same room with them, or they might have taken a swing at me. How dare we suggest that God's love is conditional? We are forgiven regardless of
what we do!
They have a point.
Last month, my twins were the lucky recipients of care packages. One arrived promptly, and my daughter enjoyed the sweet contents. The other daughter's package was held in a kind of mail purgatory for several weeks.
She got notifications that it was there, but she could not access it without paying a fee and showing up at the office when it was open.
I wonder if forgiveness is like that. Yes, God is willing, pining in fact, to bless us. Abundance is perched and holding her breath for us to welcome her. But reception depends on us stepping up to accept it.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3