Devotional

The paralysed man brought to Jesus would have had a lot of needs. He could not walk, which meant that he was totally dependant on others to move him. He could not earn a living. He could not protect himself, provide for a family and probably would not be able to marry and live a normal life. But if only he could be healed, that would make all the difference. And yet, Jesus' first response was to give him something even more important, forgiveness of sins.

I wonder if there are moments along our Christian walk where we forget just how beautiful forgiveness really is. “We have been forgiven ….” It so easily rolls off our tongue, but consider what forgiveness really brings. Firstly, it reconciles us to God. When God forgives us, He removes the great wall of sin that blocks us from fellowship with Him. Because of forgiveness we can feel His closeness.

Forgiveness also brings peace, because we know that God’s love has overcome our sin and we no longer have to carry the burden of guilt. It brings a tremendous release of tension. And we have confidence, also, when facing God’s judgement. Because we have been forgiven, there will be no condemnation on judgement day.

Be encouraged child, your sins are forgiven. It really is the best gift of all.

Brett Wilson