A God Who Is "Ready to Forgive"-Conclusion of What About the Consequences?

Like any loving parent, Jehovah may offer forgiveness along with a measure of discipline.  (Proverbs 3:11, 12)  A repentant  Christian may have to relinquish his privilege of serving as an elder, a ministerial servant, or a full-time evangelizer.  It may be painful for him to lose for a period of time privileges that were precious to him. Such discipline, however, does not mean that Jehovah has withheld forgiveness. We must remember that discipline from Jehovah is proof of his love for us. Accepting and applying it is in our best interests. -Hebrews 12:5-11.

How refreshing to know that our God is "ready to forgive"!  Despite the mistakes, we may have made, we should never conclude that we are beyond the  reach of Jehovah's mercy.  If we truly repent, take steps to right the wrong, and earnestly pray for forgiveness on the basis of Jesus' shed blood, we can have full confidence that Jehovah will forgive us.  (1 John 1:9)  Let us imitate his forgiveness in our dealings with one another, after all, if Jehovah, who does not sin, can so lovingly forgive us, should not we sinful humans do our best to forgive one another?

Next time: Chapter 27: "O How Great His Goodness Is!"

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah