"I've done too many bad things for Jesus to forgive me."
I have heard many friends make this sort of comment before. Maybe not specifically, but it's what they feel. They know their own habits, lifestyle and decisions - and they know what that Jesus is holy, or pure or full of goodness. And the assumption is that because of their mistakes they are too "bad" for Jesus to approach.
Actually, this was the case with God until Jesus came. Jesus entire mission was to bridge the gap of bad things we let define us to the forgiveness and newness found in a relationship with him. Jesus loved hanging with people who had made many mistakes, he preferred them over pastors and church leaders.
If I could say one thing to my friends that say or believe they have "mistaked" themselves too far from the forgiveness of Jesus - it would be to not focus on what you've done - but what Jesus wants to do right now in your life.
Jesus isn't put off by our mistakes, he is drawn to then because he wants to love us into a fresh start.
This story in the Bible reminded me of Jesus' true heart for the mess ups, the pagans, and the "good people" with hidden hurts and frustrations. It made me thankful because I make a lot of mistakes.
Created about 2 years ago
