If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. -Psalm 130:3-4 (NIV)
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. -Psalm 103:12 (HCSB)
God’s forgiveness is one of the greatest freedoms I’ve ever known, and something that keeps me from drowning myself in sorrow on a daily basis. Unforgiveness is a massive millstone for the soul.
One of the elements in the Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus uses as a model for us in our prayers, is to ask the Lord to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others. God’s forgiveness is truly greater than our sins, and a heavy ransom was paid for our redemption. There is nothing beyond forgiveness for true believers.
No matter what the offense, whether from another or your own, forgiveness of the offense frees the offender of the burden of guilt, and the forgiver of the burden of unforgiveness. And if you are one and the same, not forgiving yourself for an offense, then your load has been doubly lightened!
As true believers, we are to model ourselves after Jesus. He lived without sin, which is a life impossible for us to emulate in that respect. But, through God’s grace, we are forgiven and free from remaining shackled by sin, so we can approach God whenever sin burdens us.
So, confess and repent. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And once you have, move on. Your slate is clean once more. Stop fishing in the waters of God’s forgetfulness once He has cast your sins into it, and live free like you’ve never known before Jesus was in your heart.
Today’s soundtrack
Casting Crown’s “East to West” perfectly thanks the Lord for his boundless grace and forgiveness.
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