PRAYING LIKE JESUS DAY 22
GOD FORGIVES INSTANTLY
“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
As human beings, we are prone to keep a record of grievances against us. Many people struggle to forgive easily. Have you ever had someone remind you of something you did that hurt their feelings, only it was over three years ago?
So many people have developed a habit of keeping grudges, which ultimately brings about bitterness and resentment. But God set the bar high for us by not only forgiving but forgetting. He lets go of our mishaps and missteps and pours his grace on us. He welcomes every prodigal when others judge or react negatively.
Even when Jesus was still on the cross, he was already forgiving us for putting him there (Luke 23:34).
Isaiah 43:25 says, “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”
God doesn’t even remind us of our past failings. He doesn’t ask us to go through “steps” or “tasks” to receive his forgiveness. He simply wants us to confess our sins and receive his forgiveness. It happens instantly, in a moment. Isaiah said that “he remembers our sins no more.” This means that he wipes the slate clean. It’s almost like it never happened. There are no records of your wrongs. There is no data to prove your guilt. It’s all gone!
So how come its sometimes so hard for us to forgive ourselves? That’s the enemy’s job. The Bible says, “the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy” but God was us to have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). If God has forgiven you, then you should most absolutely forgive yourself.
Romans 8:1 tells us there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. You don’t need a penance to win God’s affection. You don’t need to cower or grovel for his love. He gives freely and surely to all those who draw near and seek his mercy. His love for us is so strong and so potent that He willfully chooses not to remember our sins. What remarkable love!
When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he said, “…and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matthew 6:12 NLT). God’s forgiveness is a prayer away. He is waiting for you, arms wide open, ready to welcome you and embrace you in his mercy—all you have to do is ask.
QUESTIONS FOR CONTEMPLATION
Are you willing to learn to love, forgive and let go like God when getting even seems justified?
- Do you realize that you are made in God’s image which means you have the capacity for instant forgiveness?
- What does embracing grace mean to you?
PRAYER POINTS
- Thank God for his amazing love that forgives instantly and forgets our sins.
- Pray for those who have wronged you and release anyone that you have been keeping hostage in your heart.
- Ask God to uproot any weeds of unforgiveness, resentment and bitterness in your heart.