God's forgiveness isn't so complicated

" ... Lest by any means the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

- 2 Corinthians 11:3,4 (KJV)

The day my new washer was delivered - having been without a washer that worked for some time - I was excited to wash a load of clothes. But figuring out how to use it was rather complex.

First, I had to choose the right settings. Were my items bulky, normal, delicate, quick wash or a host of 8 other selections to choose from. Then I had to decide if I wanted them washed in cold, warm or hot water. Did I want an extra rinse or spin? And I still needed to select the right water level. By this time, I was frustrated.

I told myself, "All I want is simple."

The Apostle Paul dealt with believers that complicated their faith by trying to atone for their sin. He informed them it was simple.

We, oftentimes, complicate how to obtain forgiveness from God. Some look for special prayers they believe will remove their sins. Others think they need to do tasks or give to the poor and needy to be forgiven. These things can be good when led by the spirit and done from a caring heart, but are not the way forgiveness.

There were times I wondered about these things, too. But I found no matter how many prayers I said or tasks I performed, I still felt guilty and unforgiven.

Until I realized what Paul was teaching. That a God who loves us beyond our comprehension sent a simpler way through his son's death on the cross.

His sacrifice paid the price for our sins. We don't need to say special prayers or do any tasks to atone; all we need to do - with a pure desire to be forgiven - is confess what we have done and ask his forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice.

There is no longer any need to struggle with a guilty conscience. The Scripture says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation in Christ" (Romans1: 8).

All we need to do is choose God's simpler way.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.