Freedom of Forgiveness
by Katherine Kehler
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“So there is now no condemnation awaiting those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
It was Communion Sunday, a time to reflect on Christ’s suffering and death and to think about the payment for our guilt and sin. As I sat in church, I noticed a couple in the pew in front of me. In the past year, he had been unfaithful to his wife. He had to live with the consequences, but he knew that God’s love and forgiveness were there for him to receive because of Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross. He repented of his sin and God forgave Him.
Next to me sat a man recently separated from his wife and children. His life was a mess. Someone had reported him for exposing himself to a girl at a drive-through restaurant. He had severe problems but he was here in church because he knew Christ had forgiven all his sins - past, present and future. He repented, God forgave him and now he sang the hymns with conviction.
The church is full of sinners. Some sins are well known, others are hidden, but God knows the hearts of each one of us. He longs to show compassion toward us all. Communion reminds us that without Christ’s death and resurrection there would be no personal relationship with God. There would be no forgiveness of sins, no sense of freedom. Because of Christ we can be forgiven. We just have to admit our sin and turn from it. He is waiting with open arms.
Thank You Lord, for the ordinance of communion - a time to reflect on your sacrificial love for us. A time to thank You for forgiving our sins - past, present and future. Amen.
TODAY's Thought: Daily Devotional 
