PB Devotional
The restoration of our relationship with God is why we are called to repent, as sin is what separates us from Him. Even if we know His forgiveness and are assured of our place in the age to come, we still easily become detached from the Lord in the midst of everyday business and responsibility.
Part of heeding the shofar blast is to repent and return to the Lord and to ask Him to make your relationship with Him as close and personal as possible. We know this requires repentance and turning from whatever it is that keeps us away from Him. So, take a moment today and ask the Lord to draw you to Himself, and to give you the strength to turn from whatever it is that keeps you from His presence each day.
The same is true for our relationships with others. During the 10 Days of Awe repent and make things right with our family, neighbors, those we love, and whomever it is that we have hurt or offended during the year. We must ask God for the strength to say the words, “I am sorry,” and to ask for forgiveness from others, that the Lord would then be able to restore and heal broken or ruptured relationships.
This is not easy, and it takes His power and grace; especially in the most difficult of situations. Consider the person from whom it will be the hardest for you to ask forgiveness during these ten days. Perhaps it is a husband, wife, child, mother, father, or a more distant relative. Maybe it is a schoolmate or a co-worker. You know who it is! Perhaps you should begin with those who might be a little easier, but make it your goal to at least try, with God’s help, to ask forgiveness of the person you least want to face.
Always remember, however, you do not need to be forgiven to forgive. God took the initiative and sent His Son to die in our place. In similar fashion, we also need to take the first step. Human relationships are so complicated. Often, mutual forgiveness is required to restore a broken relationship, but still, you and I must take the first step. We cannot forgive based upon the forgiveness of others as this would be contrary to the very idea of grace.
Part of heeding the shofar blast is to repent and return to the Lord and to ask Him to make your relationship with Him as close and personal as possible. We know this requires repentance and turning from whatever it is that keeps us away from Him. So, take a moment today and ask the Lord to draw you to Himself, and to give you the strength to turn from whatever it is that keeps you from His presence each day.
The same is true for our relationships with others. During the 10 Days of Awe repent and make things right with our family, neighbors, those we love, and whomever it is that we have hurt or offended during the year. We must ask God for the strength to say the words, “I am sorry,” and to ask for forgiveness from others, that the Lord would then be able to restore and heal broken or ruptured relationships.
This is not easy, and it takes His power and grace; especially in the most difficult of situations. Consider the person from whom it will be the hardest for you to ask forgiveness during these ten days. Perhaps it is a husband, wife, child, mother, father, or a more distant relative. Maybe it is a schoolmate or a co-worker. You know who it is! Perhaps you should begin with those who might be a little easier, but make it your goal to at least try, with God’s help, to ask forgiveness of the person you least want to face.
Always remember, however, you do not need to be forgiven to forgive. God took the initiative and sent His Son to die in our place. In similar fashion, we also need to take the first step. Human relationships are so complicated. Often, mutual forgiveness is required to restore a broken relationship, but still, you and I must take the first step. We cannot forgive based upon the forgiveness of others as this would be contrary to the very idea of grace.
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