Why Feel Guilty? (Cont)
Does this mean only Christians do good? Of course not – many people do good to others. On a relative scale, many are moral, kind and law-abiding. Comparing these people to criminals, we would say that they are very good indeed. But on God’s absolute scale, no one is good enough to earn salvation (“you…who were dead in trespasses and sins,” (2:1). Only through being united with Christ’s perfect life can we become good in God’s sight. “Children of wrath” refers to those who are to receive God’s wrath because of their rejection of Christ.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Rom 5:8).
While we were still sinners – these are amazing words. God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but because he loved us. Whenever you feel uncertain about God’s love for you, remember that he loved you even before you turned to him. If God loved you when you were a rebel, he can surely strengthen you, now that you love him in return.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” (Heb. 4:16).
Prayer is our approach to God, and we are to come “boldly.” Some Christians approach God meekly with heads hung low, afraid to ask him to meet their needs. Others pray flippantly, giving little thought to what they say. Come with reverence because he is your King. But also come with bold assurance because He is your Friend and Counsellor.
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Lk. 11:13).
Even though good fathers make mistakes, they treat their children well. How much better our perfect heavenly Father treats his children! The most important gift he could ever give us is the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), whom he promised to give all believers after his death, resurrection, and return to heaven (John 15:26).
(Ps 86:1,6,7) says: “Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me; for I am poor and needy. 6: Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. Ps 86:2: “Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; save your servant who trusts in You! Ps 86:7), In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.”
Sometimes our trouble or pain is so great that all we can do is cry out to God, “Preserve my life” (86:2). And often, when there is no relief in sight, all we can do is acknowledge the greatness of God and wait for better days ahead. The conviction that God answers prayer will sustain us in such difficult times.
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