God Uses Imperfect People
Most times we have the hardest time forgiving ourselves. We allow ourselves to be troubled by wrong actions and wrong decisions…they can become a burden. There are consequences to actions…but, much bigger and much more important – God forgives – when we repent. The Bible is filled with how God used imperfect people. Not only that and more importantly, God used them – but also restored them.
David
The story is told of David and Bathsheba – how that David allowed his flesh to over-rule sound judgment. How that he allowed his wishes and feelings to drive him to compound sin upon sin…Then when confronted with his actions – it was me…his heart was broken, because he knew he’d sinned against God. David was a good example of a penitent heart.
Covering a Sin
David tried to cover up his sin…but was not successful…this led to his being confronted and led to David turning to God
Psalm 51
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
The Keys to Repentance
Acknowledge the truth of the sin – a broken relationship with God.
Know that God is infinitely forgiving and merciful and that Jesus covers your sin.
Call it what it is – and turn from it.
Ask for forgiveness – and God can clean and restore
Praise God for his lovingkindness and mercy.
God’s desire is for us to have a repentant heart so that our relationship can be restored.
The Wonders of Restoration
God knows that all of us are imperfect people. We will make wrong decisions and take wrong actions. When we acknowledge these things – we are faced with just how much God loves us and how wonderful a restored relationship with him can be.
We can and should be kinder to others, more patient and more forgiving ourselves. When we know the great depth of God’s love and forgiveness, we too can in turn demonstrate God’s love through us to others.
Jesus came to restore and to repair broken relationships – He demonstrated love towards those who needed it while he was here…and he left us with that commandment – to love God and to love others. One great way to love God is to not let anything come between you in your relationship – God will forgive our wrongdoings – and will most definitely restore ‘a clean heart’ in us.
