Not Guilty

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

I’m continuously beating myself up over past sin; especially when it has affected those I love emotionally and physically. I found this story and am blogging it to help remind myself that one thing God cannot do is remember my sin once I have confessed and repented.

“I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sin” (Jeremiah 31:34).

I can relate to Teri:

During the early days of her Christian walk, Teri understood that Jesus died for her sins. But after a while, she began to feel guilty over some of her past sins. She repented- again and again- but she didn’t feel forgiven. The guilt always returned to haunt her. One day Teri poured her heart out to the Lord again, begging Him for forgiveness for a sin she committed long ago. She sensed that He was speaking to her: Why do you keep confessing the same sins you’ve already asked Me to forgive? Was My sacrifice not enough for you? Teri came to attention and thought about what she had just heard in her spirit. She began to realize that she had been listening to the lies of the enemy. She resolved that since God has told us He forgives us and not longer remembers our sins, she should believe His Word instead of the enemy’s lies.

Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come let us discuss this,” says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool.” In this verse, we have God’s assurance that He will forgive our sins when we confess our wrongdoing, repent, and ask His forgiveness. No matter how bad we think our sins are, God assures us that there is nothing too big for Him to forgive.

Throughout the bible, we see people who have committed all sorts of sins: David committed adultery and murder. Paul murdered Christians. Rahab earned her living as a prostitute. Abraham lied. Peter denied knowing Jesus. But all found forgiveness and the grace of God.

Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Not only does God take away our sins but he also forgets them. Once you’ve confessed your sins and repented, let them go. Don’t let the enemy bring you under condemnation. God has forgiven you, so embrace it.

I think what’s even harder than to receive God’s forgiveness is to forgive yourself of your own sin. I struggle with this daily when I see those that I have sinned against and left with emotional scars. I hope and pray that the worst has been done and is over.

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your mercy and grace. Let me be quick to confess and repent when I have sinned, and help me to forgive myself and accept your forgiveness.