The Challenge of Forgiveness / David Jeremiah

 

The Challenge of Forgiveness 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    People who have a joyful temperament find it easy to understand the joy of the Lord when they become a Christian. Naturally generous people willingly express generosity as a Christian. People who enjoy helping others find it easy to serve as a Christian. But one dimension of the Christian experience seems to be a challenge for every temperament type: forgiveness.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 32: 5

Whether receiving forgiveness from God or extending forgiveness to others, the whole idea of forgiveness seems hard to grasp. Forgive once, twice, several times? Okay. But forgive unconditionally and without limit? Who would do that? That’s what separates us from God. God forgives unconditionally and without limit because His Son paid the price for all sins by His death on the cross. Still, we find ourselves ashamed and embarrassed to have to ask God for forgiveness. . .again and again. We simply have to believe God’s Word: When we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us—unconditionally and forever. If you have sinned, confess it immediately to God and restore your fellowship with Him. He promises to forgive when we do. Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins.  G. Campbell Morgan