When we hear about God’s forgiveness, it can sometimes be difficult to believe that His forgiveness extends to us. We often think that God can forgive others much easier than He can ourselves. But sin is common to all of us – every single person has made decisions or acted in ways that have grieved the heart of God. Though God does not overlook our sin, Jesus took our punishment upon Himself when He was sacrificed on the cross. His death and resurrection have provided a way for each of us to personally receive God’s forgiveness and to live blamelessly before Him. When we repent of the wrong we have done and give our lives to God, through Jesus we find peace with Him. Below are a few passages that remind me of my true identity – one who is loved by God and has been completely forgiven by Him.
- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
- For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
- In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7
- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
- “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:28
- “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” Romans 4:7-8
- I write to you, dear children,because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. 1 John 2:12
- Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
- I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Jeremiah 33:8
- For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. Hebrews 8:12
- For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17
- Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:48-50
@MeMamboDog posted on July 25, 2010
Your message this evening really hit home for me – further accelerated with your thoughts in this post. If anything, I am a forgiving person, but only when it comes to others. I don't say this out of pride for it truly is something I don't work on, I guess it's part of my chacter. But I always struggled in giving myself forgiveness and it is just like you said – God can forgive everyone else beause he loves them so much, but not me. I am too wretched. Thanks for the verses, they will make for a great devotional time this evening as I attempt to lead my inner lamb-child to the slaughter!