Devotion

Accepting God’s Forgiveness
by Leah West

Eph 1:7 (NKJ)

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

As a believer we know first hand about God’s forgiveness and grace. We repented of our sinful lives and asked Jesus into our hearts, and all was forgiven. With that said, it seems that many Christians have forgotten the simple truths behind God’s forgiveness. New Christians as well as those who have matured in Christ and even flow in the spiritual gifts may still battle in their mind over guilt and shame of past sin.

Unknowingly we go through life and are bombarded with images of past sin or sin we still struggle with. Satan condemns us of these past sins and brings shame and guilt into our heart. This was never the Father’s plan. In Psalm 103:12(NKJ) it says, “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Very simply this verse means that when we ask for forgiveness, our sin is removed from our hearts and from God’s eyes.

This verse is a very powerful weapon against the enemy when he attacks our minds. The Word of God is clear that if we confess our sins, we will be forgiven and the sin will be forgotten. As great and wonderful as this truth is, we as humans tend to hold on to our past. We feel that what we have done is too horrible and that we don’t deserve God’s forgiveness. We continue to cry out to Him to forgive us when He has already forgiven and forgotten.

Sometimes the weight and guilt of our past prevents us from fulfilling God’s plan in our lives. We need to learn to accept God’s wonderful forgiveness and understand that even though we do not deserve forgiveness or even salvation, that Jesus paid the price so that we could have both. God never condemns us over past sin, only the devil and we need to recognize the guilt and shame for what it is, an attack from the enemy.

I encourage you to let go of your shame and guilt and thank God for already forgiving you. Realize that the very sin that you are so guilty over may be what God uses as your testimony to others. God always works things out for good to those who love Him. (Rom. 8:28) When discouraging thoughts enter your mind, cast them down and praise Jesus because you are already forgiven. I find encouragement from Paul the great apostle who was very powerful in Christ, yet still struggled against his own thoughts and flesh.

It is God’s desire to see us live a victorious life. Once you have received God’s forgiveness you can move forward in your walk and fulfill the calling on your life. Accept the forgiveness that has been given to you freely and rejoice in a God who shows us such mercy and grace.

About the Author

Leah West is a freelance writer/web designer living in Virginia with her husband and three kids. You can contact her at tom_n_leah@cox.net.