For so many Christians, whether you are a new Christian or a long time Christian, it is hard for us to accept that we are forgiven when our family, friends and other Christians remind us of our past and of our failures. They remind us, we are not enough, our sin is too great, or the mistake we made was so stupid, that it is brought up time and time again. Sometimes there is laughter with the reminder, sometimes there is a demeaning gesture or sound that reminds us of our wrongs. Our failures. Thus, it is hard to believe we are forgiven and can forgive ourselves, when we are being reminded of it constantly. And we pray, “Help me, Lord. Help me in my unbelief. For when I am constantly reminded of my failures, I begin to doubt you, Lord!” John 20:27 reads, “Thomas, do not give in to your doubts any longer, just believe!” Which as we all know is hard to do. Acceptance of forgiveness occurs as our understanding and love of God develops. Our relationship with God does not happen overnight. It is a journey, a lifelong journey with ups and downs along the way. Sometimes our faith is stronger than at other times. Sometimes in our humanness we doubt, and we, like Thomas, call out, “Help me in my unbelief.” If the story of Thomas teaches us anything it is that faith and doubt can and must live together. Doubt can arise from various causes such as lack of information, uncertainty, fear of failure, low self-esteem, and negative past experiences. This is normal for all human beings. We all have issues. We all have been hurt. We all have been let down by another person. We all have sinned and made mistakes. Such is life. The Good News is that as believers in God we have hope. We have forgiveness, even when we are reminded of our past and when others demean us. Our hope comes through our faith. And what overcomes the world, our faith. So today, if doubt raises its ugly head. Go to God. Seek Him. Pray and pray some more and soon your doubt will subside. Doubt is part of life. It is OK. God Bless. Amen.