At some point we’ll all make mistakes because we’re human. The Bible tells us that ‘all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23 NIV). None of us are perfect, but we don’t need to despair. When we tell God about our mistakes, and when we’re truly sorry for them, He loves to forgive us. In 1 John, we’re told: ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (1:9 NIV). When God forgives us, we might not feel forgiven. The enemy wants us to feel guilt and shame so that we think we’re still separated from God. If we don’t believe that we’ve truly been forgiven, we might think we’ve got to earn God’s love and acceptance again. We might think we’ve blown our opportunity to do anything for God, and just give up on the plans He has for us. So we have to believe the truth that we’re forgiven, even when it doesn’t feel like it. We might not feel worthy of God’s forgiveness, but God’s forgiveness isn’t based on our worthiness, but on Christ’s. We don’t need to earn His forgiveness. It’s by grace. Grace means ‘undeserved favour.’ So even though we don’t deserve it, He loves to give us the gift of forgiveness. When God forgives us, let’s honour Him by forgiving ourselves and moving on. Jesus said: ‘If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you’ (Matthew 6:14 NIV). We can’t accept God’s forgiveness for ourselves, but neglect to show grace and mercy to those around us. So let’s believe we’re forgiven, and let’s show grace to those who have hurt us. 

What Now?

Write a list of anything you’ve done this week which wouldn’t have pleased God. Tell God honestly about each one. Then destroy the paper as a sign that you’ve been forgiven.