Today we’re looking at how God forgives and how is that completely sacrament. I’d like to start by sharing what God says about forgiveness, Hebrews 8:12 “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” The verse reminds us that when he forgives you he doesn’t remember your transgressions, most people would continue to hurt and think that God is angry at your doings but when he forgives he does that in full with no conditions and he doesn’t remember your sins. Now let’s look at the second verse, 1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Here we see that we got a cause and effect relationship on how we can access Gods forgiveness that is we need to confess our sins to him and then he will forgive us. So when you pray or ask for forgiveness, start by confessing your sins and then he shall do.
I’m looking at this topic today because I’ve also struggled with it. I’d do wrong things and hurt so much because I’d wonder if God forgave me or not especially doing the same mistakes but now I understand. God’s forgiveness is sufficient and complete, he doesn’t hold grudges and certainly doesn’t remember our sins. When he forgives you it is just and fulfilled in the heavenly realm. Remember that wonderful song “he washes my sins to be as white as snow” it is true. When he forgives you, you start from a clean slate and the old sins are cleansed and forgotten. The devil will tell you “you are a disappointment to God” I’d like to tell you that is not true, at that moment rebuke the devil and tell him that my father is all-forgiving and he loves me still.
There’s nothing that can separate you from him. Absolutely nothing no matter what you would have done.
Perhaps one day I’ll need to do a thread of how Jesus forgave Peter who denied him 3 times before his crucifixion even when he was forewarned by Jesus. Yet again in that instance, Jesus trusted and forgave Peter who later become one of the most influential apostles in the Bible. I really encourage you to read the books of Peter if you need further understanding.
I want you to start your day today knowing that my father’s love is unending and sufficient for all of us. Reserve a moment and tell him “Lord I pledge my allegiance to you and vow to return the same effort of love you pour out to our nation”. Amen.
