Forgiven
First John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins....” Forgiveness is what the cross was all about.
The word forgiveness draws various reactions. If we’re talking about God’s forgiveness of us, it can be a soothing topic resulting in gratitude and peace. If we need to seek forgiveness from someone we’ve wronged, we might wrangle a bit with our pride before we finally approach that person in humility—but our resulting cleared conscience makes it well worth the effort.
Usually, however, the most uncomfortable kind of forgiveness is what we must extend to someone who has wronged us or hurt us deeply. The Bible says a lot about this kind of forgiveness—perhaps because our emotions arm wrestle with it and other lingering memories skirmish with it. It’s really hard to do.
Find out what God’s Word says about forgiveness, how essential it is to understand, and how to actually do it...if we want to grow in our walk with God.
First John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins....” Forgiveness is what the cross was all about.
Christians since the first century have been tempted to trade grace for a life directed by strict law and high-minded requirement. The Apostle Paul addressed the Galatian church on this very issue, warning them against trading God’s Gospel for a different, human-made gospel. As we hear the word to the Galatians, keeping our message grounded in grace will help our lives exude grace.
A wandering mind drove King David to distraction and became more than he could bear. But his multiple sins refused to stay silent. No struggle is more relentless than sin…especially unconfessed sin. Let’s take a close look at David’s response to his sin and gain some insight for our own lives about God’s blessed gift of forgiveness.
On the surface Chuck Colson had everything but underneath his life was empty. It was only when he accepted Christ the emptiness was filled and he truly began to live.
Even though we are forgiven by God’s grace, sin has consequences and sometimes they’re devastating. When our actions harm others they can have lifelong ramifications.
When you’ve offended someone it’s not enough to make things right with God. You need to face the person you’ve hurt and say, “I’m sorry.” Admitting you’re wrong takes guts and strength of character.
We’ve all hurt others, and no matter how much time has passed it’s not too late to reconcile and make things right. We all need grace, and we all need to extend grace. Mending broken relationships speaks volumes to those around you.
You probably know by now life isn’t fair. And it’s easy to become bitter because of what happens—but if you don’t forgive you will be trapped in a prison of your own making. Forgiveness is the key to releasing you from bitterness, hatred, and resentment.
Just because there isn’t physical violence in your home doesn’t mean there aren’t strained relationships. But hope is not lost! Relationships can be restored and parents, this starts with you.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll wraps up this series on grace by concluding that, while God loves unity, he doesn’t demand uniformity. Understand how you can extend grace to others even amid differences.