Abundant LifeSample

East to West

Forgiveness is an unnatural concept for me to get my head around. Whether it’s believing God has forgiven me for all the dumb and sinful stuff I have done, or forgiving others, or forgiving myself, forgiveness is difficult to grasp. It’s especially hard to believe God forgives me when I keep making the same mistakes over and over. However, forgiveness is the crucial key that unlocks abundant life.

Becoming a dad has softened my heart and helped me to more easily receive forgiveness and extend it to others. When my daughter does something she shouldn’t and says, ‘I’m sorry,’ the last thing I’m thinking about is her mistake. My only thoughts are of her apology and the attitude of her heart. My relationship with my daughter has radically changed how I believe God sees me. It can be easy to view God as a judge and not as a gracious Father who loves His children. Keep calling to mind the truth that God loves you and is always pursuing you.

Throughout the Bible, the words repentance and forgiveness are linked. Repentance simply means to change your mind, or to do a 180-degree turn and head in the opposite direction. We receive forgiveness when we acknowledge our sin, repent, and put our faith and trust in Jesus. The psalmist tells us God has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Whenever I read this verse, I picture an actual east-west distance, like going from Atlanta to Los Angeles. But what it actually represents is far more powerful. One commentator explains, ‘The east and the west can never meet at one point, but be forever at the same distance from each other, so our sins and their decreed punishment are removed to an eternal distance by His mercy.’ God has forgiven you, and His Word says that He will never again remember your sins. Today’s workout is tough. But accepting God’s gift of forgiveness can be easy. Just do it. Then, forgive yourself, forgive those who have hurt you, and step into the freedom of abundant life.

First the Word – now the Workout:

8 rounds for time, 12 double DB front squat

12 double DB push press