HELEN SANDERS
11-29-2025
WAITING WITH OPEN ARMS

When we think of the story of the woman at the well, we think of a lady that had lived a life of sin when she met the Savior. Did He condemn her for her sin? No, His words brought conviction, which gave her a choice—to stay the same way, or to receive forgiveness and change.

He saw who she really was. He looked into her heart, and knew her. God knows us too.

He sees all that we have done, are doing, and will do. In spite of what we call mistakes, (which He calls sin) He does not stand with a condemning finger. He gently, by His Holy Spirit, lets us know where we have failed.

Yes, all of us have failed, and could never live the life we saw Jesus live. This is why He came. He knew that we could not live right on our own.

Yet, in love He still stands with open arms to forgive, and to put us back on the right path.

The greatest sin is to not receive His love and forgiveness. It is called pride. Pride will keep the person out of Heaven, thinking He is unworthy of God’s forgiveness. How sad, because Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” That means no one has hit the bullseye. Whether we are rich or poor, old, or young, prisoner or free, we have all missed it. We are all in the same boat guilty of sin, needing a Savior.

If you find yourself in that position today, ask Jesus to forgive you. Big sins, or little ones, they are all the same to Jesus. No matter what you have done, He stands with open arms of forgiveness today, just like He did with the woman at the well.

Will you receive His love and forgiveness, or will you walk away?