Cold Hearts Turned New

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
-Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)-

     There is something stunningly beautiful about winter, specifically fresh snow fall. The animals, like us, are tucked away somewhere warm and only come out to grab a quick snack. The birds sing. The music of nature includes tree branches falling or cracking and wind.

     A stillness occurs in winter that can only be compared to the peace radiating within by the Holy Spirit. If you have been outside after a fresh snowfall, you know the crispness in the air I am talking about. Have you ever closed your eyes and soaked in the quiet? When we are not out playing or enjoying a sport, winter is a great season to reflect on what God promises us when we seek forgiveness. He tells us in Isaiah two things of particular importance: one, purity and two, comfort.

     Being washed as white as snow returns us to our purity in Christ. It also allows us to forgive others and ourselves. Forgiveness is a gift from God. So how is it that we put conditions on our forgiveness toward others? Take a moment - really sit down and chew on this: when you go to God and confess your wrong-doing with an earnest heart, He forgives you through his Son. When someone wrongs you, how do you respond? Our natural, immediate reaction goes something like this - either that person is not 'deserving' or 'isn't genuine' in their apology. Regardless of these things, who are we to boast such significance and importance that we should put conditions on something that is so freely given to us by the very one who created us? And, who are we to assume such guilt and shame upon ourselves? Perhaps we need a humility check. Whose are we? God's children. How did he show his love to us? By not only sending his Son, but sacrificing him too in order to bring us back to him. What do we do in return? Sometimes, we whine and stomp our feet like children and say, "But God it isn't fair!" I challenge you with this question: Who are we to know what is fair and what isn't? I love the book of Job purely for God's response to him. Also consider this:

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
    therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
    Blessed are all who wait for him!"

-Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

Who do you currently have a cold heart toward? Is it yourself? Forgive, and receive forgiveness so that God can also warm you with his love. Remember the second promise of the initial verse: "...they shall be as wool." What does wool feel like? What is it really good at doing? Warming and keeping us warm! What do we bundle up with during a harsh winter? Wool. Also, something interesting to note is that wool can be spun into other useful things like sweaters, hats and blankets. If we first become pure through forgiveness, and then we are turned into wool - we also become useful to God. We can accomplish many more things when we are humbled. Remember also:

"What does the Lord require of you but to

    do justly

      love mercy

       and walk humbly

with your God."

-Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

Friends, if I can encourage you in any way today, it is to take a long look at your heart. What are the motives of your heart? Are you having a hard time forgiving? Consider the beauty of a winter scene, or if you're living in it now - look out the window!

Allow yourself to humbly accept the truth of forgiveness, forgive whoever has wronged or hurt you. Then, become "white as snow" and prepare to be useful!

Today, I pray that you receive this encouragement with humility and then, the courage to do justly and love mercy. Remember, you are needed in this world and you have so much to offer. Don't let a hard heart of stone stop you from becoming all that you can be. Walk humbly with our God, and enjoy the beauty of you: new!