Our Forgiving Father

By Charles F. Stanley

When my children were younger, we would have family meetings to discuss chores, summer plans, or other family business. Although these “summits” were mostly planning sessions, my kids would often look at me with great concern when I called them together.  “Did we do something wrong?” they would say, fearing punishment.

Their reaction puzzled me until my wife pointed out that, in gathering the family, my tone of voice was very serious—much like it was when I disciplined the children. So it was natural for them to respond the way they did.

My kids’ attitude is similar to that of many believers when they have to “do business” with God. They come to Him confident of only one thing—that they have blown it and didn’t remember to ask for God’s forgiveness. They know all about the substitutionary death of Christ, but they picture God as an angry old man, simply putting up with them and little more.

Over the years, I have spoken with folks who differentiate between Christ’s attitude toward them and the Father’s. They view Jesus as the Friend who works to hold back the wrath of God the Father. These people assume that God wishes He could give them what they deserve, but that Christ’s role is to protect them from that fate. My friends, this is not biblical thinking.

You may never have thought about God the Father in the way I’ve described. But how do you picture Him when you think about your sin? Is He angry that you come to Him with the same old behaviors, time and time again? Is He disappointed in your failures? Examine for a moment how you feel in contemplating these questions. What do your emotions tell you about your view of God?

Like most Christians, you would probably acknowledge that God loves you. But do you think He likes you? Or do you think He simply puts up with you because His Son died for your sins?

For many people, these are especially difficult questions. The term Father does not bring to mind a sense of love and acceptance. Instead it conjures up feelings of fear, dread, hurt, rejection, and disappointment. Such emotions have the power to rob Christians of any assurance that God bestows grace and mercy upon sinners

But what does Scripture say? The apostle Paul writes, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). I believe that until all aspects of this verse sink deeply into our hearts, we will never be free from feeling condemned for our sin. The solution to this problem—the cross and the resurrection of Jesus—was God’s idea; He initiated it to secure our salvation and eternal forgiveness. Since the beginning of time, He has wanted us for His very own.

For some of you, accepting this truth may come easy. For others, it may take some time to change your attitude about who God is and how He perceives you. Begin renewing your mind by meditating on these five tremendous facts about our heavenly Father:

• God loves you with unlimited love.
• His patience is inexhaustible.
• He is eager to have fellowship with you.
• God focuses on you and your position as His child, not on your sin.
• He rejoices when you turn from your sin, whether it is one single act or a season of rebellion.

God is eager to have fellowship with you, and He takes great joy in seeing you restored to your rightful place as His child. Once you have trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you are adopted into God’s family. Then, you have a forgiving Father whose love and patience are unlimited. You cannot push Him too far. So have no fear. You are free to walk in the love and mercy of your God.

Adapted from “The Gifts of Forgiveness” by Charles F. Stanley, pp. 57-59, 69.