The Heart That Will Stand on Judgment Day
The Heart That Will Stand on Judgment Day
A reflection on forgiveness, missed moments, and the love that prepares us for the Day of the Lord.
If today were Judgment Day, and Yeshua (Jesus) finished shining His light on your life and then said, “I never knew you,” how would you feel? How would I feel?
If today were that day, I don’t believe I would do well. There are so many things I have done — and not done. What I would regret most are the missed opportunities to speak with someone when I felt that gentle nudge inside. I think about it, weigh the reasons for and against, and by the time I finally decide to act, the moment is gone. The person is gone. These moments pass quickly. When we feel led to speak to someone, we should simply go. Don’t overthink — just go.
In the book The Celestine Prophecy, these moments are called coincidences, but they are meaningful. If not for that moment, then for a later one.
I’ve repented many times, yet I often fall back into the same old patterns. I wonder how God puts up with me. Yeshua (Jesus) endured unimaginable suffering so that I could be forgiven. Why can’t I honor Him? Why can’t I honor Father God for His plan to save us? Their love for us is beyond measure.
We can ask forgiveness today, and when we fail again, we can ask forgiveness again. Peter once asked Yeshua, “How many times should I forgive my brother or sister? Up to seven times?” Jesus replied, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21‑35
God is patient with us, but His patience is not infinite. One day we will be judged. Only Father God knows when that day will be.
Forgiveness is reciprocal — if we forgive, we are forgiven.
New International Version
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Think about what Yeshua (Jesus) endured so that we could be forgiven.
Here are the crucifixion accounts: Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19
He endured what we cannot comprehend — and He did it for all of us.
If fear of God motivates you to do good, then let it move you. If doing good is for reward on Judgment Day, then that is for your benefit. But doing good because you LOVE — that is the highest reason. Love like Father God and Yeshua (Jesus) love. This may be what “The Way” truly means.
New International Version
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
New International Version
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—”
4/24/2024
I was looking through some of my older posts and came across The faith that justified Abraham. It is a long read, but it fits well with this post and with Good Works.
Closing Thoughts
Judgment Day is not meant to crush us with fear but to awaken us to love — real love, the kind that moves us to act, to forgive, to speak when prompted, and to honor the One who gave everything for us. May we walk “The Way” not out of fear or reward, but out of love for Father God and Yeshua (Jesus).
A Short Prayer
Father God, thank You for Your patience and Your mercy. Help me recognize the moments You place before me and give me the courage to act. Teach me to forgive as You forgive, and to love as You love. Shape my heart so that on the day I stand before You, I am known by You. In Yeshua’s holy name, Amen.
