Have you ever had to ask for forgiveness from someone? Think back to a time when you know you were in the wrong and something that you said or did hurt someone deeply. It takes courage and humility to confess your wrongdoing, apologize for how you hurt someone, and then ask them to forgive you. If the person extended forgiveness to you, do you remember what that felt like to be forgiven? That person gave you a gift of forgiveness that you likely did not deserve and did not earn. That is how it is with God as well; his forgiveness is a gift of his grace that we can never earn and do not deserve. We simply confess our sins, own up to our mistakes, and God extends this gift to us.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Yes we are forgiven, and this also means that we must admit why we require forgiveness. Paul tells us in Romans that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) We have all fallen short and all of us are sinners in need of a savior. We are sinners, and yet God calls us forgiven because of Jesus.
Sometimes we forget what it is like to be forgiven and have a hard time accepting that God has forgiven us. We think it needs to be more complicated or involve more work, but that is not a free gift given by God. Even when we confess our sins and know in our heads that we are forgiven, it can still be difficult to accept the gift of forgiveness. We have to humble ourselves, admit that pride might be keeping us in the mindset of earning forgiveness, and learn to accept this precious gift. You are FORGIVEN.
Accepting the gift of forgiveness and living like you know you are forgiven does not stop with you. We are called to also forgive one another and extend that gift to others. Knowing what it is like to be on the receiving end of forgiveness is a transformative experience. When others hurt you or offend you, remember the gift of forgiveness and the freedom that comes with that.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Prayer: Dear God, please forgive me of the sins I have committed against you. I know that my sin keeps me from you. Thank you for Jesus and the gift of forgiveness. Please help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me.