“If You, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His Word I put my hope.” — Psalms 130:3-5

Running To Forgiveness

In 1989, San Francisco Giants star Will Clark got entangled with St. Louis Cardinals stars Ozzie Smith and Jose Oquendo while breaking up a double play. Clark came up ready to fight. Boos cascaded from the stands and, consequently, continued in every at-bat Clark had during games in St. Louis.

In 2000, he was traded to the Cardinals from the Baltimore Orioles, with whom he had played since 1998. Clark later said he was very apprehensive about his first at-bat in St. Louis. How would the fans react? Did they still hold a grudge?

As his number and name were announced, the Cardinal fans gave him a standing ovation. Clark said he had trouble seeing the first few pitches as tears welled up in his eyes. The fans not only forgave him, they welcomed him with open arms!

Isn’t that the way God is with us? We may offend Him many times, yet when we come to Him as our Savior, He forgives us and welcomes us with open arms.

Have you experienced His forgiveness? Come to Him today.

— Stanley Tucker

If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to jason@sportsspectrum.com.