God’s Love Reaffirmed
…Now the Lordloved him, and sent word by the hand of Nathan the prophet: So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the Lord. - 2 Samuel 12:24-25
Imagine, God would once again send the prophet Nathan to David. There would be no words of judgment or fear for this child’s life. Nathan’s visit brought blessing and he would reaffirm God’s love and approval towards the child and his parents. David responded to the LORD and called his son Jedidiah meaning––beloved of the Lord.
In a similar situation, Jesus needed to reaffirm His love to Peter, who denied Him. Jesus came to Peter, personally, to restore and recommission him (John 21:15-19). Peter responded to the Lord. He went from being a coward to preaching the gospel, with boldness, to thousands who were converted (Acts 2:14-39). God can use a repentant sinner, filled with the Holy Spirit in many ways (Acts 2:1-4).
When a brother or sister in Christ has truly repented and returned to the Lord, one of the best ways to welcome them back into fellowship is to reaffirm your love to them. The Apostle Paul taught the Christians in Corinth not to be too severeafter a person had been disciplined: you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him (2 Corinthians 2:7-8).
If you had fallen into sin but have come back to the Lord in true repentance, never doubt God’s love for you. He will restore your life and give you new opportunities to serve Him again.
The only things that are improved by breaking
are the hearts of sinners.
~Anonymous~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!