THE GRACE OF FORGIVENESS

There are times when we become discouraged with our walk because of the repeated sins that we commit. The right things that we want to do, we don't do, and the wrong things that we do not want to do, we keep on doing. Paul experienced the same thing when he said these words, "I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?" (Romans 7:21-24). All of us struggle with sin because of our fallen nature. However, we do not use our fallen nature as an excuse to sin, but as long as we live on this earth, we will struggle with sin. Paul then asked a very important question, "Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?" His answer is in the next verse. He said, "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 7:25a)."

Jesus came to save us from our sins. The blood that He shed on the cross not only washes away our past sins, but it also washes away our present and future sins. God's forgiveness is always available to us when we confess our sins to Him, because of the grace He constantly lavishes on us. His kindness to forgive us when we sin is an illustration of His wonderful grace. Every time we sin, no matter what it is, God's forgiveness is always available to us when we confess our sins to Him with sincerity. Our Lord Jesus said these words of encouragement to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)." Let us no longer walk in guilt and shame because of the sins that we have committed in the past. When we confess our sins to our Lord Jesus, He immediately forgives us. 

We need to receive His grace and live in it. We need to keep on reminding ourselves that we are forgiven because of the grace of God. We are free from our past sins. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How does the grace of God affect my sin? Am I still holding on to feelings of guilt and shame for my past sins? What does God want me to do every time I sin? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, I am grateful for your grace in forgiving me of all my sins. All my past sins have been washed away. Please help me to live in your grace and always remind me that your grace is more than sufficient to handle all my weaknesses and failures. I appreciate your grace. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.