Forgiveness

Jeremiah 3:22 - " 'Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding,' 'Yes, we will come to you, for you are the Lord our God.' "

Being forgiven by God means that He looks at you as though you have never sinned. When you receive God's forgiveness, you become blameless in his eyes. An awesome thing is that when God forgives, he doesn't just sweep your sins under the carpet; he completely washes them away! Knowing that God has taken all your sins and thrown them away is an amazing feeling. If you have reached the point where you are sick of continuing to make the mistakes that you do, then accept what Jesus did for you and the healing and recovery that he offers.

Romans 4:7 - "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."

Forgiveness allows harmonious relationships to prosper, even with your enemies. It also brings great joy because you have been freed from the heavy guilt you have been carrying and also because you no longer have to be a slave to your sinful nature. Receiving God's forgiveness is the only way to be certain of you gaining eternal life in heaven.

The only part of sin that God won't necessarily address are the consequences of your sin. These are often irreversible and God allows the natural effects of your actions to roll out. This painful process is designed to serve as a powerful reminder for you the next time you face temptation. The consequences of your actions are there so that you can learn from your mistakes and become a stronger, wiser person.

Exodus 34:7 - "I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion and sin."

God's huge capacity of forgiveness far exceeds the number of times that you could ever seek forgiveness from him. This means that no matter how many times you sin, there will always be forgiveness available. God promises to always forgive when it is humbly asked for.

Ezekiel 18:22 - "None of the offences he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live."

It does matter how terrible and sinful your past is; if you approach God with humble sincerity and confess your sins, you will be forgiven. Thinking and believing that your sins are too grave to be forgiven minimises the power of Jesus' death and resurrection on your behalf.

God's grace is always greater than your failure. Temptation only wins when it stops you from turning back to God. No matter how many times you fail, God will always welcome you back, and recovery begins when you return to God. He will not hate your repentant heart, he promises to forgive you, help you make a fresh start and fill you with joy.