<p class="bodytext">There’s an anecdote of the disciple Peter reaching heaven’s gates. He finds Jesus expectantly standing outside the gate. Peter asks, “Lord, why are you standing here? Let’s go inside.” Jesus replies, “Yes, we will. But I am waiting for Judas to return to me.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">The love and forgiveness of God is Him waiting patiently, with eager longing to receive the lost and those gone astray.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Are you waiting for someone to turn from their wayward ways? Are you waiting with love and patience or anger and impatience? </p>.<p class="bodytext">The love of God is broader than the measure of man’s mind, and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. We are all in need of forgiveness, but we so often refrain from forgiving others.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The Gospels are replete with parables that manifest God’s boundless, unconditional forgiveness. </p>.<p class="bodytext">In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), the younger of two sons demands his share of inheritance, leaves his father and spends his life in debauchery. After losing everything, with fear and trembling, he journeys back home to seek forgiveness. To his shock, his father comes running to him, declaring to his other son, who was unhappy over celebrating his return, “Be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 11:32) </p>.<p class="bodytext">In the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep goes in search of the lost one. Who would risk leaving behind ninety-nine for the sake of one lost one? In human rationale one would say, “After all, just one is lost; let that go.” But God says, “I do not want to lose even one soul.” There is rejoicing when the shepherd finds the lost sheep. The theme of God rejoicing over winning back those who are lost or have strayed away from Him echoes all through the Bible. Great love demands great patience. God waits. But why keep God waiting when we are uncertain when our life will end?</p>.<p class="bodytext">Two criminals were crucified beside Jesus on the cross. One was unrepentant even at the point of death, but the other sought forgiveness, asking, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus announced his reward: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43). The heart of God is like a home whose doors are always open. Are you in or are you out?</p>
<p class="bodytext">There’s an anecdote of the disciple Peter reaching heaven’s gates. He finds Jesus expectantly standing outside the gate. Peter asks, “Lord, why are you standing here? Let’s go inside.” Jesus replies, “Yes, we will. But I am waiting for Judas to return to me.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">The love and forgiveness of God is Him waiting patiently, with eager longing to receive the lost and those gone astray.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Are you waiting for someone to turn from their wayward ways? Are you waiting with love and patience or anger and impatience? </p>.<p class="bodytext">The love of God is broader than the measure of man’s mind, and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. We are all in need of forgiveness, but we so often refrain from forgiving others.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The Gospels are replete with parables that manifest God’s boundless, unconditional forgiveness. </p>.<p class="bodytext">In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), the younger of two sons demands his share of inheritance, leaves his father and spends his life in debauchery. After losing everything, with fear and trembling, he journeys back home to seek forgiveness. To his shock, his father comes running to him, declaring to his other son, who was unhappy over celebrating his return, “Be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 11:32) </p>.<p class="bodytext">In the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep goes in search of the lost one. Who would risk leaving behind ninety-nine for the sake of one lost one? In human rationale one would say, “After all, just one is lost; let that go.” But God says, “I do not want to lose even one soul.” There is rejoicing when the shepherd finds the lost sheep. The theme of God rejoicing over winning back those who are lost or have strayed away from Him echoes all through the Bible. Great love demands great patience. God waits. But why keep God waiting when we are uncertain when our life will end?</p>.<p class="bodytext">Two criminals were crucified beside Jesus on the cross. One was unrepentant even at the point of death, but the other sought forgiveness, asking, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus announced his reward: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43). The heart of God is like a home whose doors are always open. Are you in or are you out?</p>
