Faithful To Forgive

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Just the other day, I was in a conversation with some friends about why so many people fear darkening the doorstep of a church. Many opinions were tossed back and forth, but ultimately I think it boils down to the issue of forgiveness. Whether it’s doubt that they can ever be forgiven for the failures of their past or perhaps they believe that the church is an unforgiving and judgmental place, far too many people remain on the fringes. True forgiveness is not something that most people experience in this life. Humans are great at holding grudges, seeking revenge, and unforgiveness. Although the church should be the one place that people can genuinely meet Jesus through His people, unfortunately that’s not always the case. Despite the fact that we are called to live and love like Jesus did, we often fail in this area of forgiveness. We have taken it upon ourselves to judge and label those that aren’t a part of our community, and the chasm continues to increase. We are missing the mark when we fail in this area, and there are souls at stake.

Thankfully we serve a God whose ways are far above ours. He loves perfectly. He forgives endlessly. All that He asks from us in return is confession. His promise remains that He is faithful to forgive every sin and He’s faithful to purify us from all unrighteousness. The only requirement on our part is that we confess. That’s it. Acknowledge the sin, and repent of it. Turn from it. Then the flood of His forgiveness flows and the purification of the heart begins. I believe we would see a modern-day revival in our churches if we could begin to forgive like Jesus does and see others the way He sees them. If we could relinquish our desire to play God and instead let His Spirit lead the church, how many would flood into His Kingdom here on earth? Even within the walls of the church, how many live under the lie that complete forgiveness is something that they will never fully know? How many have been deceived into thinking that they are not worthy of this gift from God? This is precisely why it is so important that we know God’s Word and stand upon its truth. God’s Word says that whenever I confess my sins, He freely and readily forgives, purifies me from my sin, and gives me a clean slate. That is the promise for those who come to Him.

Perhaps there is someone reading this today who desperately needs to hear this truth: There is no sin that God’s grace cannot cover. Come to Him today, confess the sins of your past that have plagued you and held you back, and receive the gift of God’s forgiveness that brings new life and freedom!