Knowing It’s Not Permanent….

One of the greatest aspects of being a believer in Jesus is knowing when (not if) we mess up, it’s not permanent. Peter is the perfect example of this. Jesus told him when he repents and returns to being faithful to Him, he must strengthen his brothers. Jesus tells Peter he will fail. But immediately afterwards tells him that it’s not permanent. Forgiveness is one aspect Christianity has that no other religion has to offer, and it’s free. In all other religions forgiveness has to be earned. And you try in hope of God granting you that opportunity. Repentance is key. God knows we will fail Him, but He doesn’t have to hold it against us because Jesus paid the debt we owe. Do we take it for granted? It’s really easy to do. Our response out of gratitude for this free, unmerited, and undeserved gift, we live obediently to God. When we mess up, we turn around (repent) and return to Him. Being a Christian isn’t easy, we will mess up. Knowing it’s not permanent frees us from abandoning our service to the Lord. Thank God for His grace.

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to Me again, strengthen your brothers.”33 Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with You, and even to die with You.”34 But Jesus said, “Peter, let Me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know Me.” Luke 22:31-34