The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalms 34:18 (KJV).

REFLECT:
Strange how love can spring up from something unexpected, especially given the circumstances for which, this love is being shown.

Many times we expect love to come to us when we have done something to deserve it. Say we have done a kind deed, a good gesture, encouraged, or helped someone we know attain something good. For these acts, people tend to respond to such with an appreciation of love.

However, what about situations where we have totally done something undeserving. Do we expect to be loved in such a situation? Of course, the answer will be in the negative.

Sometimes even after a heart-felt apology, with tears showing our brokenness, there may still be no mercy. We have seen this play out time and time again in the world we live in.

Our world is one for encouraging protracted hurt and anger, holding grudges, keeping scores, and not going past certain ordeals. People would always look to pay back old grievances. Yes! The reason for such behavior is the fallen world and the sin syndrome.

Of course, no one is advocating that criminal offenses should be swept under the carpet, or that a criminal should not be given their due punishment. Such persons should serve the punishment for the wicked crimes and atrocities they have committed or inflicted on humanity no matter how big or small the crime.

However, where there is deep remorse, repentance, and brokenness for a wrong done God advocates another rule of law, and this is what is referred to as forgiveness and compassion.

Our Bible verse for today —-Psalms 34:18— gives us a vivid picture of what forgiveness and compassion should look like. It is a love of the highest order.

This is a love that will not take score, or look to retaliate for any wrong done against it.

Matthew 5: 44-45 ” But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

1 Peter3:9.” Not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

This kind of love is so amazing, very unusual, and unique. It goes beyond our human comprehension, and it can only be orchestrated by an equally unique and unusual person. This is the God kind of love.

Therefore, if we still carry around with us the guilt and shame of past mistakes and sins, there is always forgiveness available. This forgiveness comes from a person whose essence is pure love, compassion, and second chances.

We can always feel safe and secure with Him and can never condemn when He sees a broken spirit and a contrite heart. His name is Jesus! Jesus has promised to never leave us, He will stick close to us resolve the issue, mend our broken hearts and walk us into a brand-new life. This is a love so near!

When we discover the love that Jesus offers us, we will not only realize our true identity but also walk into the new life He has created us to live in. A life meant for us to inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

Draw Close to Me

FATHER GOD, You are always near, but today I am inviting You to come close to me. Show me how near You are. Here are my burdens—please take them. I am tired of pretending that I can carry them. Remove my fears and replace any heaviness in my life with Your relentless love that is always so near and available to me. Come close to me as I come close to You. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN.