Edward was running home from school with a very red and guilty face. He seemed to think that everyone was looking at him and that the police would soon be after him. As soon as he stepped inside the door he went straight to his father and told him just what he had done. He and his friend Charlie had been playing along the street and were throwing stones. All at once, Edward’s throw missed its mark and broke a street light. It was an accident, but Edward knew that he was guilty and deserved to be punished. His father told him that it was wrong to throw stones where they might cause damage, and suggested that after supper they go together to the street lighting company and pay for the damage.
Poor Edward could hardly eat his supper, and soon he and his father were walking together into the office of the manager. Here Edward quickly confessed just what he had done, told the man that he was sorry, and offered to pay for the damage. The gentleman listened, and then wrote somethings down in a notebook and looked up again at poor Edward. He smiled at him and said,
“I want to thank you for coming and telling me this, and I want to forgive you. I will pay for the damage myself.’
Then he shook hands with Edward and with his father. You may guess that Edward walked out of the office feeling very much happier than when he went in. He was forgiven!
Now I have some good news for you. God loves sinners, but He hates sin. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).
God is now righteous in forgiving and blessing every sinner who comes to Him owning his sins and his need. Do not try to hide your sins from God.
He has seen and knows all. Just come and tell Him who a sinner you are, and you will find that He delights to forgive you.
ML 10/01/1950