Is Forgiveness Possible? (Biblical Story)

Question: Do you ever feel as though you’ve wandered too far from the Lord to be restored? Has some particular sin caused you to doubt His love and forgiveness? If so, it’s time to remember what Jesus taught His disciples after His resurrection. Disciples gathered in a locked room out of fear when Jesus suddenly appeared before them with these words: “Peace be with you!”

Think about it. Before Jesus died Peter denied he knew Him three times. When he realized what he had done, Peter wept but did not see Jesus to ask for forgiveness before Jesus died. After their disappearance from the cross and Peter’s denial, Jesus not only offered them peace and forgiveness. He went even further and sent them out as missionaries to the world.

Jesus did more for His friends. One disciple missed the meeting. When the other disciples shared the good news with Thomas, he reacted in unbelief and even said, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into His side, I will not believe it.”

One week later, the room was locked again, and this time, Thomas was present. Jesus appeared without using the door. He met every demand from doubting Thomas. Jesus said, “Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.”

How did Thomas react? He replied, “My Lord and my God!” So, whenever we doubt God’s love and forgiveness may we trust that God listens and wants us to trust. May we, like Thomas, say, “My Lord and my God!”

Today’s Peace Step: If a particular sin is tormenting you today, believe God forgives you and accept His peace.