Refusing God’s Forgiveness

My sanctity and perfection consist in the close union of my will with the will of God. God never violates our free will. It is up to us whether we want to receive God’s grace or not. It is up to us whether we will cooperate with it or waste it.”
 ( Diary 1107)

I have met people who have refused to accept God’s forgiveness. Sounds crazy I know. Who would not want God’s forgiveness? But some people truly just want to continue punishing themselves. They think by continually beating themselves up they will somehow make up for their abortion. It reminds me of a scene in the movie “The Mission” where one of the characters drags a boulder up the mountain in form of punishment for his sin. It takes him forever to trust enough to let go and accept Gods love.

We can become comfortable even in our unhealthy behaviors. Sometimes the call to grow and change is just too frightening and overwhelming for us.

Another source of refusal may be our pride. We have free will; this denotes action on our part. An act of trust perhaps in God’s forgiveness.  A call to “obey” by living according to God’s will. What will we have to give up? What are we clinging to that may be sinful? Am I sorry enough to let God take control of my life? We are called to admit we do not know better than HE does, and to let go of our thinking and believe what He tells us.

In Isaiah 1:18 we read, “Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool.” What a promise!

As we go through this day let us pray for those who are hanging onto unhealthy behaviors and refusing the mercy of God, that they may have a change of heart and allow Him to heal them knowing He always desires their salvation.

 

“When we return to him, he welcomes us as children, in his house, because he never gives up waiting for us with love, not even for a moment. And his heart is in celebration for every child who returns.” Pope Francis (Sunday Angelus, Vatican City, Sep 15, 2013)