I think there are many people who were either brought up Christian, or had been practicing Christians, but went astray and got into activities and lifestyles that they know were wrong.
When they consider returning to practicing their faith, they don’t believe that they could be accepted back, because of the things they have done. Additionally, the devil, who is also called the “accuser of the brethren” in the Bible, puts thoughts of unworthiness in their minds.
Many, if not most, of the people God uses, to tell his story in the bible, had flawed characters in their past but became leaders and teachers of his message. From Abraham, who distrusted God’s promise for a child, and chose to have a child with a servant, to Jacob who deceived his father into giving him his brother’s inheritance, to David who had Bathsheba’s husband killed so he could marry her, to Paul who persecuted the Christians, and Peter who denied knowing Jesus, and many others; God used people like this to show future generations, like us, that no one is un-forgivable.
Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:15-16, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.”
So if you feel un-forgivable, or you know someone who may feel this way, remember it only takes a moment to accept the gift of forgiveness God gave us through Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, your grace is so amazing, that no one is beyond your love and the opportunity for forgiveness. Help us remember this for ourselves, and share the peace that comes from this knowledge, with others. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.