God is more interested in blessing people than punishing them. He is willing to see a sinner repent from his/her sin and be blessed than to remain adamant in sin to receive eternal condemnation. Also, God wants repentance of backslidden Christians; he will accept them with open arms if they could turn a new leaf. In his statement to the nation of Israel, God said,
“‘Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the Lord; ‘I will not cause my anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,’ says the Lord; ‘I will not remain angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God, and have scattered your charms to alien deities under every green tree, and you have not obeyed my voice,’ says the Lord. “Return, O backsliding children,” says the Lord; “for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion” (Jeremiah 3:12-14).
Lesson:
God loves humanity, and he is willing to save us all. He will save anyone who comes to him to seek refuge and salvation. However, it is painful for the Creator to see that some people are adamant in their sins, and refuse the repentance option. Also, some Christians that have fallen away from faith are causing God enormous pain with their decisions. Jehovah expects his children to be on good terms with him so that he can bless them. Therefore, God’s arms remain wide open to receive backslidden Christians and other sinners. He will transform their lives and make them fit for his eternal blessing – if they can sincerely return to him.
Prayer:
Dear God, I am sorry for all my wrongdoing, and I am ready to repent and return to you again. I want to stop hurting you with my actions; I want to start satisfying your desires. I consider myself a prodigal child who has rebelled and lost everything; please I have returned to you today. I will start working in your ways, and I will faithfully serve you for the rest of my life so that I can prosper in all my ways. Please give me the grace to do so. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
