Jeremiah chapter 3 verses 12-13 (NIV)
Go, proclaim this message toward the north:“‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD,
‘I will frown on you no longer,
for I am faithful,’ declares the LORD,
‘I will not be angry forever.
Only acknowledge your guilt—
you have rebelled against the LORD your God,
you have scattered your favours to foreign gods
under every spreading tree,
and have not obeyed me,’”
declares the LORD.
Even in her sin, God was offering mercy and reconciliation to Israel. There was one important condition. She had to acknowledge her guilt. This is a requirement for all of us. Jesus has made a way for us too and we can be reconciled to God but we must acknowledge our guilt and repent. Accountability is so important and is actually something that some people these days find very difficult. Yet by not doing so, or by excusing our actions, we miss out on God’s mercy.
Dear Lord,
I am so grateful for Your mercy. Help me always to accept accountability and thus be able to accept the gift of Your grace. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.