I was feeling guilty about something. I decided I needed to do a prayer about my feelings and do a quick forgiveness prayer. I did not realize that subconsciously I was starting to treat my Savior as if He is in the Feel-Good Business. I did not want to be bothered by my feelings and wanted to dump them into Jesus’ lap as quickly as I could. I had at first talked to God about my feelings of guilt… a little. I just wasn’t interested in learning from my experiences today. My feelings felt uncomfortable, and I did not want to deal with uncomfortable. I was too self-focused with my discomfort to even realize how all of my prayers were quick and even more uncomfortable.
Forgiveness is God’s Mercy
While I was praying Jesus appeared in my imagination and was wearing an expensive Gray Business Suit with His wooden cross attached. I knew He was communicating in a picture countless words. It was as if He was saying, “What is wrong with this picture?”. It was an obvious reminder that forgiveness from God is a gift of His mercy and grace and not a business transaction.
Getting to the Roots
He also wanted me to get to the root cause of my short comings (sin) so I could do better in the future. The uncomfortable feelings I had to face while I prayed and took responsibility for my mistake in attitude (sin) was necessary. I needed to work with God to understand things from His perspective so I could grow from my mistake. It was a small price for me to pay for a healthier Spiritual Life. Jesus did pay the full price for all of my sin. All any of us have to do is ask and learn. We all must remember to ask in truth and in Spirit as children of God. This is where I made my mistake as I tried to avoid some uncomfortable feelings.
God is Patient and Kind
I owed Jesus an apology for treating His forgiveness as if it was something that I could get quickly without getting honest with myself and God. I was not allowing God’s Holy Spirit to lead me. I can and should celebrate that I have God’s restorative forgiveness and mercy through Christ as a gift. I understood and repented that I had treated Jesus as if His forgiveness was some kind of Business Transaction instead of a gift based on my personal relationship with Him.
Seeking God’s Mercy
Lord God Almighty, sanctify me in Your holiness through Christ Jesus for Your glory. Oh God, please save me daily from my shortcomings. Please forgive me for being too self-focused sometimes. Help me walk with Jesus in the Spirit of love and treat others as I would want to be treated. Father, help me treat You with the respect and love You deserve. Please show me Your face Lord God Almighty. Help me reflect Your peace in the afterglow of Your mercy and grace. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that You have sent to dwell within me for Your purpose. Be glorified through Christ Jesus because of Your great love for all of us. Amen.