FORGIVEN AND FREE
I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
1 John 2:12 (NIV)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.
Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
What does it mean to forgive? As humans, we use forgiveness in two ways. We can ask for it and offer it. To ask for it means you were in the wrong. But what does it mean to offer forgiveness? It's the ability to forgive someone else's transgressions when you weren't necessarily at fault. Wow, that may be a little harder to comprehend! Either way, both are essential for becoming the men and women God designed us to be.
I remember a time when I needed someone's forgiveness. I bought a pair of safety shoes for work. After wearing them for a week, they seemed to be falling apart. I took them back to the store, and the salesperson started giving me the runaround, explaining that some of the quality issues were normal. I wasn't having it. In short, I ended up making a fool out of myself when it wasn't necessary. He exchanged the shoes; I got in the car, and I left. I thought it was over... but then the Holy Spirit entered! It became clear. I had to turn around, go back and ask for forgiveness. It was one of the first times I can remember wanting to make it right. I apologized for my attitude, and he was very gracious and forgiving.
But what about another type of forgiveness that we don't deserve and can't earn? In today's Scriptures, we see that forgiveness is freely given to us by someone else. Do you know who I am talking about? You guessed it, Jesus! The life and works of Christ were meant to give us the gift of salvation. He was sinless, yet bore our sins, shed His blood and died—all so we could be redeemed. Living in Christ's forgiveness is the way we're able to forgive others and grow as men and women of God.
APPLICATION: For just a moment, put aside how you feel about forgiveness and focus on how God views it. Maybe there's someone in your life who needs to hear from you. Can you ask for forgiveness, or can you offer it to someone? Ask God's Spirit to lead you.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your Son. For without Him, we couldn't experience Your love. Teach us to forgive as You forgave us. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?