If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
This is a beautiful promise which is foundational to the
Christian faith. Our dear Father desires for us to come to Him with a humble
heart, seeking His forgiveness of our sins. When we do, He will forgive us and
reconcile us to Himself, so that we stand righteous before Him. This is
freeing! Knowing that we are forgiven means that we don’t need to carry around
the weights of guilt and shame which only serve to hinder God’s ability to move
in our lives.
Sometimes we can know of and understand that God forgives,
but withhold forgiveness from ourselves. Perhaps you have participated in an
act which you label as being particularly grievous—heinous—unforgivable? God’s
Word says there is forgiveness even for that. Will you receive it? Will you
accept His gracious gift and also forgive yourself?
Brennan Manning expresses the sentiment this way: “If the
Lord Jesus Christ has washed me in his own blood and forgiven all my sins,” the
ragamuffin whispers to herself, “I cannot and must not refuse to forgive
myself.”
Dear heart, if this is you, I invite you to trust and rest
in the forgiveness of our great God. Draw His forgiveness into you, embracing
it voraciously, and let it permeate your life so that His truth is also your
reality.
Be free.
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