“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Returning Home
Coming back to Jesus feels like returning home. We may stray away for various reasons, but the door to Christ is always open for us. Each time we step away, Jesus waits to welcome us back with open arms. This act of returning is not filled with shame but is rather a joyful moment of reconnection with our Creator. We might feel lost or confused, but when we turn our hearts back to Him, peace envelops us. Coming home to Jesus is about finding comfort and assurance in His love, which is always present and unconditional.
Luke 15:20
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20
John 6:37
“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” – John 6:37
Isaiah 44:22
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” – Isaiah 44:22
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:8
Jeremiah 24:7
“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” – Jeremiah 24:7
Grace Awaits
Grace is a beautiful aspect of coming back to Jesus. No matter how far we have wandered or the mistakes we have made, Christ’s grace is available and abundant. We are invited to come back and receive forgiveness without judgment. It’s in grace that we understand that even our wrong choices can lead us back to Him. We realize that His love for us does not rely on our worthiness but solely on His infinite mercy. No sin is too great for His forgiveness, and in His embrace, we find acceptance and renewal.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Romans 5:20
“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” – Romans 5:20
Titus 2:11
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” – Titus 2:11
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
The Power of Repentance
Repentance is a crucial step in coming back to Jesus. It means turning away from our wrongdoings and actively seeking a change of heart. Repentance is not just about feeling sorry; it is about recognizing our need for His presence in our lives. When we repent, we are essentially saying that we want to restore our relationship with Him. The act of repentance opens the door to a genuine connection with Christ, allowing us to experience His transformative love in our lives. It serves as a way to cleanse ourselves and prepare our hearts for renewal.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Luke 15:7
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” – Luke 15:7
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Matthew 4:17
“From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” – Matthew 4:17
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
His Unchanging Love
One of the most heartwarming truths about coming back to Jesus is that His love for us does not change. No matter how far we drift, His heart remains steadfast towards us. This unwavering love reassures us that we can always find our way back to Him. Understanding that Jesus cares deeply for us encourages us to return, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and warmth. His unconditional love allows us to realize that we are valued and cherished, no matter our past, and that our return ignites pure joy in heaven.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
Isaiah 54:10
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” – Isaiah 54:10
Psalm 103:17
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.” – Psalm 103:17
The Promise of Forgiveness
When we come back to Jesus, we are met with a promise of forgiveness. His willingness to forgive our transgressions is profound and humbling. This is not conditional; we will always be embraced when we make the move to return to Him. Through Jesus, we realize that forgiveness is more than an act; it’s about healing and renewal. The path back to His heart is paved with mercy and an open invitation for reconciliation. This promise restores hope and empowers us to live in freedom, knowing we can always come back and be welcomed again.
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
Micah 7:19
“You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” – Micah 7:19
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Hebrews 8:12
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Hebrews 8:12
Renewal in the Spirit
Coming back to Jesus is also about receiving renewal in the Spirit. When we return, we not only seek forgiveness but also the transformation that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. This renewal revitalizes our spirit and helps us navigate life with hope and strength. It ensures we bear fruits of faith that reflect our commitment to Jesus. As we allow the Spirit to work within us, we develop a deeper relationship with God and walk confidently in His presence, knowing we are not alone on our path of faith.
Titus 3:5
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” – Titus 3:5
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 8:11
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” – Romans 8:11
Ephesians 4:23
“To be made new in the attitude of your minds.” – Ephesians 4:23
Final Thoughts
Coming back to Jesus is a profound experience where we can find comfort and renewal. It invites us to return home, embrace His grace, and stay reminded of our need for repentance. His love is unchanging, and His promise of forgiveness remains available, helping us to transform and grow. We recognize that with each step back to Him, we are met with open arms and the assurance that His Spirit will guide us in our renewed faith.
As we reflect on our journey, let us remember He never turns away those who seek Him earnestly. We are constantly offered opportunities to return and restart. I encourage each of you to explore more about the themes of lost souls and the grace of Jesus’ forgiveness as we continue to foster our faith.
For further reflection, check out some amazing insights on lost souls and Jesus’ forgiveness.