Forgive me, Father!

Hi! My name is Bryan Tang and I am a Student Worker at the LU Prayer Center. Just as God wrote Joey's love story (see previous post), God also brought me a wonderful lady by the name of Becky Wood! In fact, we are preparing ourselves for our wedding in August. How exciting it is! Well, at least for the both of us:)  Part of the preparation entails us reading through several books together. As of now, we are reading through "The Five Love Languages of Apology" by Dr. Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas. It's a wonderful book that gave us much practical insights as to how people apologize and such. A good read!

As I was reading through the book, one of the things that convicted me the most was the purpose of apologizing. The book said, "When we apologize simply to avoid facing an issue rather than seeking genuine reconciliation, the apology ceases to be sincere. Remember, the purpose of apologies is to receive forgiveness and reconciliation with the person you have offended."

Many times in the past, I have confessed my sins to God and asked for forgiveness because I know that my sins deserved to be punished and judged. However, whenever I have such a perspective on seeking forgiveness, I have merely scraped the surface of the issue-my rebellious heart towards God. In fact, I have missed out on what God had originally intended for me to experience. Picture this,

"There was a young little boy who got in trouble in his house. A huge trouble - he broke his mom's favorite cookie jar! Afraid of being punished by his mother, he teared up and cried out to his mother for forgiveness. His mother, who loved the boy to death, bent down to the little boy and gave him a kiss on his forehead, and told him, "my son, I love you. I forgive you." and she wrapped her arms around the little boy and held him until he stopped crying"

This story, in some sense, illustrates the forgiveness that believers ought to experience through the cross of Christ. Just like the little boy in the story, we ought to experience his love, and his forgiveness -- and the reconciliation that comes when we humbly come before Him and confess. 1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Romans 5:10 tells us, "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."

The next time you come before God, remember that He has reconciled us to God! Not only are we forgiven, we are also reconciled into a relationship with Him and loved by God Himself! Therefore, let us examine our hearts and humbly lay it before Him - ask Him to examine it and reveal to us how we can please Him, the glorious King who deserves all the glory, honor, and praise!