Redeemed

Isaiah 44:22

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist.  Return to me for I have redeemed you.

The word redeem means to atone or make amends for error or evil.  The thief on the cross beside Jesus, is a perfect example of redemption.  This man by a single act of faith was redeemed for a life of evil.

When we confess our sins and errors, God is faithful and redeems us.  And he offers this redemption to ALL who return to him.  But there is something often holding us back from that perfect redemption that God offers.  That something, is unforgiveness, standing in the way of our redemption.

James 2:13 says, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

To embrace forgiveness leads us to true redemption and mercy.  We can’t hold on to that old grudge against a family member or keep thinking hateful thoughts about that friend who betrayed us or the neighbor who offended us.  We must forgive these deep offenses and hurts.  We must let them go.

It can be very hard to give mercy for deep wounds, for tragic wrongs, but with God’s help, we can forgive and let go of even the worst hurts.  We need God’s help, and we might have to forgive some people over and over again. But with determination and God’s help we can overcome our resentment, anger, and hatred. Forgiving does not mean you forget what happened, though that would be wonderful.  Forgiving means letting go of resentment and anger toward the perpetrator.  Forgiving means showing mercy, just as God shows mercy to you. 

By showing mercy to those who have hurt us, we can return to God’s peace and feel redeemed, wrapped in His LOVE. 

I don’t know about you, but I crave that redemption peace! 

So, let’s pray now and always…

Dear God, help me to give my burdens to you and to let go of the resentment, hatred, and anger I have been holding, from my past hurts.  Help me to overcome negative thoughts and to offer your selfless LOVE to those who have hurt or angered me – even my enemy.  By forgiving, I can return to you, accepting your freely offered gift of redemption.

In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Today’s devotional was written and read by Bernice Howard.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.