Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. Luke 7:47

I was (and still am) a very strong willed person. My Dad said I had a “one track mind”. I’ve been known as “argumentative”. I also have a tendency to nag. I really have to watch it. I know you all are sitting there thinking, “I never deal with these things in my life.” I am so happy for you! You must live a very peaceful life. I am high strung and there are times when my life is anything but peaceful!
I got lots of spankings as a kid. I got more than my older brother and sister combined! When I was very little, most of the spankings I got were because I refused to obey. As I grew, the spankings were because I said things that hurt people. I spoke without thinking! It is easy to deduce from looking back at my childhood that my two main faults were being stubborn, and talking too much.
The Bible says these things are sin.
1 Sam. 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…
Prov.10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
As I grew and received punishment for my wrong doing, and lots of talking, I came to a point where I had to accept the fact that yes, I was doing these things. I had to stop arguing and swallow my pride. I’ve had to apologize to a lot of people over the years, and it’s never easy. After I go to someone, and they forgive me, I feel sweet relief! When I came to Jesus, and begged His forgiveness, I felt that wonderful, sweet relief. I wanted a relationship with Him because of the life I had seen my parents live. They loved me in spite of all my shortcomings, and I knew Jesus did too.
I am very glad that I messed up all those years. I know that sounds strange. I’m not glad that I hurt people at all! I’m just so glad that I can look back and see where He’s brought me from. No, I haven’t arrived. I’m still stubborn – sometimes – and I still talk a lot – most of the time- but I’m so much better. Why the change? Because of Jesus! I hurt Him so much, yet He forgave me! He’s forgotten it. He loves me, in spite of all my faults.
I wanted a relationship with the Lord as a child because of my parents’ testimony. I want a relationship with Him today because of my own. I can say from experience that He keeps His word.

I love Him so much, because He forgave me so much!