Jesus Follows His Own Examples.

One of the wounds I’ve carried into adulthood is the fear that the sin I wrestle with will disqualify me from being in relationship with Jesus. I read His words:

But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?' But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' "For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:11-14)

I wonder, am I the one who isn’t wearing proper clothes? My personal struggle with sin usually leaves me feeling this way. My heart cries why can’t I seem to get a handle on this stuff?

I take comfort in Paul’s words, I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. (Romans 7:21). If Paul struggled with “getting it right” how much more will I? But the fear persists. It’s a deep-seated lie that there exists a "one step too far" and that someday I will take it. 

“Oh, I’m sorry, you’ve just ruined everything”. 

That may be a bit dramatic, but my deep seated fears tend to be that way.

In His mercy, Jesus continually shows me the example I am to follow. Peter asked how often he should forgive his offending brother. Jesus’ response in essence was “every time he asks”. That’s the example I am to follow. If my brother sins against me and asks for forgiveness, I am to forgive, freely and without reservation. This beautiful truth speaks deeply into my fear. 

Jesus follows His own examples. 

If I, by Jesus’ example, am to forgive my brother freely and without reservation, how perfectly will Jesus forgive me, freely and without reservation, when I ask?

How often?

Seventy times seven times eternity.

So what keeps me from walking in the beauty and freedom of this truth?