Forgiveness is a powerful gift. During Jesus’ ministry it says in Matthew 9:2, "...they brought to Christ a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, 'Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.'"
The phrasing of Christ's exhortation leads one to believe that this gentleman had done something which led to his paralysis. But Christ's knowledge that this man's behavior may have contributed to his condition did not dissuade Him from relieving his misery. In fact, rephrasing the passage without changing the emphasis or doctrinal point, allows us to better perceive Christ ministering to the man's soul and his body. Paraphrased, it might sound like this, “Take courage in the knowledge that I have forgiven you as evidenced by the fact that I am healing you."
When God forgives us, we are to let the rest of our life be marked by acts of courage knowing that the worst of our past has been redeemed. This releases us to live life to the fullest under the affirming watch of an empowering Father. So, live right, live well, live courageous...
