Hebrews 10:30-31
30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
If I forgive you, does that mean you got away with it? Doesn't it seem like the only person who will pursue justice on my behalf is me? I know movies have those dogged detectives who stay up at night looking at giant tack boards of clues and pictures, but can I count on justice in my life? I think that may be the biggest hurdle to forgiveness.
The hard truth of scripture is that God is the judge who will bring about vengeance on any and all who do evil. No one escapes, and His justice is perfect. That means I can forgive, but it also means I really, really need forgiveness. I may not be a picture on a detective’s cork board, but God has seen the way I’ve lived. Go to Jesus to be forgiven for your sin! Otherwise, well, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Prayer prompt: Lord, please forgive me my debt of sin as I forgive those who hurt me.