Proverbs 10:1–12; 1 Timothy 1:1–17; Matthew 12:22–32
Jesus tells us that we can be forgiven of any sin except for “blasphemy against the Spirit.” Many Christians worry that they have committed the “unforgivable sin” by saying something blasphemous against God, perhaps in anger when something went wrong—when a loved one died or when they lost a job. But Jesus tells us that even these outbursts can be forgiven. He reminds us that “every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people.”
Then what is the unforgivable sin? Simply put, it is the continual rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord for a lifetime. Jesus loves us and wants nothing more than to forgive our sins, every one of them, and to convert our souls. So we can be confident that through his blood, shed on the cross of Calvary, that Jesus will wash away all our sins and make us white as snow. Jesus will even save those who turn to him on their deathbeds! He relentlessly searches us out to bring us to his heart, today and for evermore. So let us rejoice in God’s everlasting love, a grace that will never trap us in an unforgivable sin, but that seeks to forgive any sin, encouraging a lifetime of faith in him.
Prayer: Jesus, help me lay all my sins and burdens in your loving arms, trusting in your boundless love and forgiveness. Amen.
Today’s devotion was written by the Rev. Dr. Dennis Di Mauro, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Warrenton, VA.