Several years ago, I read something posted online by one of my long-time friends. It was a well written column that I wish everyone could have the opportunity to read. Due to the length of the written piece, I am going to paraphrase the message contained within it.
Many of us have faced trials and tribulations in our lifetime. Many of us have done things or committed wrongs to someone that we are not proud of. Even though we have tried to make amends for our mistakes or problems we have caused, we are very likely carrying around some guilt and our life is covered with the streaks of unforgiven memories.
The story I want to share is about a person that has just paid $5.00 to go through a car wash. He leaves the car wash and notices there are streaks and spots on the car leaving it unclean. As he was driving home, he passed a church where the youth were washing cars. Their sign read “$1 car wash.”
He pulls in and told the group about his trip through the car wash and how his car was not completely clean. He offered them $5 to wash over it again. They gladly went over the car and when they were through it was thoroughly clean. When they had finished one of the youths went to his window and said, “Thank you very much” and handed him $1.00. The driver said, “No, I was going to give you $5.00!” and the young person said, “no, today we are giving you a dollar and washing your car.”
The driver teared up and said, “wait a minute, you are out here in the hot sun washing my car and paying me $1.00? The young person said, “yes! We wanted to demonstrate to you the love of Jesus and this is the way it is.”
The driver said, “I didn’t expect this.”
The youth replied, “no one does!” The driver said, “it’s hard for me to accept this!”
The young person said, “it’s just like salvation you’re freely accepted, it’s a gift that you did not deserve, all you have to do is receive it.” I looked him in the eye and said, “thank you, I accept it!”
This is the way Jesus looks at us. Even though we have streaks and spots all over our lives and we may feel unworthy of His love, Jesus forgives us and makes us clean again. Jesus not only forgives us, He also forgets the sins we have committed. His love for us is unconditional. All he asks is that we accept Him into our heart and live for Him. He is with us every day and He will talk to us through prayer and His written Word!
If you haven’t had a salvation experience, get on your knees and pray, confess that you are a sinner and ask Him to come into your heart. Your life will be changed!
