In 1 John1:9, we read: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
“But you don’t understand what I’ve done. God can't forgive me.” Timmy’s head swiveled to Grandfather to hear his answer. They'd met up with one of Grandfather’s childhood friends at a campground.
“You’re right. I don’t know what you’ve done, James, but I know what God’s Word promises.” Timmy could see Grandfather’s thinking wheels turning.
“I think you’ve confused sonship with fellowship.” James’ head snapped up.
“What do you mean? Is there a difference?” He said, hope lacing his voice.
“You better believe it. Do you have a son?” James nodded. “How long will he be your son?”
James looked at him as if he were crazy. “He’ll always be my son.”
“Where is he now?” Grandfather said, his voice soft.
“I-I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in several years.” James dipped his head. “We had words and he left.”
“But you don’t understand what I’ve done. God can't forgive me.” Timmy’s head swiveled to Grandfather to hear his answer. They'd met up with one of Grandfather’s childhood friends at a campground.
“You’re right. I don’t know what you’ve done, James, but I know what God’s Word promises.” Timmy could see Grandfather’s thinking wheels turning.
“I think you’ve confused sonship with fellowship.” James’ head snapped up.“What do you mean? Is there a difference?” He said, hope lacing his voice.
“You better believe it. Do you have a son?” James nodded. “How long will he be your son?”
James looked at him as if he were crazy. “He’ll always be my son.”
“Where is he now?” Grandfather said, his voice soft.
“I-I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in several years.” James dipped his head. “We had words and he left.”
“He’ll always be your son. That’s sonship. Our Heavenly Father promises if we confess our sins, He forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. But when we’re separated because of anger or deliberate sin, we break fellowship and don’t feel like God loves us.”
“It sounds so easy. What can I do?” James said, pain lines deep on his face.
“Want me to pray with you?” At his nod, Grandfather put his hand on James’ shoulder. He asked the Lord to restore James’ fellowship and to show him how to find his son.
At home that evening, Timmy asked. “Will Mr. James let us know when he finds his son?
I believe he will, son.” Grandfather said, smiling.
Kingdom Thinking. When I realize the Lord Jesus paid for my sins by dying on the cross for me, I’m overwhelmed. Then He forgave me and cleansed me and promises to love me with an everlasting love and never forsake me. He offers this to you. Won’t you come to Him?