Remember that you are forgiven.
My brother, my sister, don’t lose heart. When we miss the mark, let us get back up quickly, repent and press forward. Abba’s arms are open ready to embrace us and gently place us over Christ’s shoulder, like a lamb temporarily lost being reclaimed by the Good Shepherd.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” Romans 6:1
Knowing that we are forgiven does not mean we should take advantage of the goodness and grace of God. Rather, it is our opportunity to walk in the spirit in order not to fulfil fleshly desires, old practices and characteristics that does not honour God. We cannot live right by ourselves, and in our own strength. Only the Spirit of the Living God and empower us to live holy.
I used to condemn myself too, but not any more. Say this aloud with me:
- I am a recipient of the grace of God;
- The blood of Jesus is more than enough; and
- I am the redeemed of God, by His doing.
If you are anything like me, and struggle at times to see yourself as loved and forgiven, I pray that the Scriptures below will serve as a timely reminder that God loves fully because while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us:
“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.” Isaiah 43:25-26
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:10-12
Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” John 8:10-11
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.” Lamentations 3:22
“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” Romans 7:15-19
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10
Prayer
O Gracious and Merciful Father, we love You and present our body and spirit to You. Continue to mould us to be like Christ Jesus. Enable us to forgive ourselves for when we fall short of Your glory. For we know, when we repent, You forgive! Change our hearts and minds, help us live by Your Spirit. We have a hope of transformation because we are still alive. By Your Spirit, empower us to subdue the flesh and its desires. May we not walk in condemnation, or in the lies of satan, but instead walk in the light of Your Word. Loving Father, we repent for all the wrongs we commit – wilful and unwilful, for we know that sin is a reproach. We exchange the shame, and guilt, and regret for righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. We love You Lord Jesus and will always strive to please You and die to sin daily. Thank You for Your finished work on the cross, and for declaring us in right-standing in the eyes of the Father. In Your name we pray, Amen and amen.
Remember
See yourself how Abba sees you – righteous in Christ Jesus.
