As humans, even as born again believers, it can be hard for us to understand total forgiveness because that is something most people struggle with today.
It’s easy for us to remember things from the past and get upset again, even when we told the person who hurt us that we forgave them. Some people will go their entire lives holding a grudge against their parents, an old friend, a previous spouse, or an employer who wronged them because even though they forgave the person, they never let go of the situation or moved on from the hurt.
This is why it can be difficult to go to God for forgiveness when we mess up – because we’re so bad at that ourselves.
God is more forgiving, graceful, and merciful than we ever could be though! He does not reluctantly forgive us as we do at times with family and friends in our own lives, but He willingly and happily forgives us so nothing stands in the way of our fellowship with Him.
Psalm 86:5 says, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” (NIV) This verse assures us that if we call upon the Lord we will receive love and forgiveness in return.
Remember when you’ve messed up that God wants you to call out to Him for forgiveness, and when someone hurts you remember all that you’ve been forgiven of, this will help encourage you to extend that same mercy to others.
I challenge you to think about how good God truly is for forgiving us of our sins and to make it your aim to forgive and forget quickly!
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32 NKJV
