If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 WEB
We serve a merciful God of forgiveness. He is faithful and righteous. When we put faith in the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ on the cross, we accept the truth of God’s love for us. When we repent from our sins and hold fast to our faith in Christ, we receive the gift of eternal life in heaven.
Christ lived a sinless life, and we are called out of the world to live by his example. However, there are times when we fall short. The bible teaches in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. WEB” We are not perfect but are being perfected through a relationship with God to conform to the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. NIV” Our sins are forgiven by belief in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The challenge is to conform to the word and will of God. As Mark 16:24 teaches, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. WEB”
Following the Will of God
Being a Christian does not mean that we will no longer make mistakes. But it is important that we follow the will of God. Saved by faith and forgiven by the grace of God, we reflect on our actions and repent when we find ourselves living in disobedience to his word. When we confess our sins and repent, God is faithful and righteous to forgive us.
Having been forgiven for our offenses, we should also forgive those who offend us. In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus teaches about forgiving others. The scripture reads, “Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven. WEB”
With these encouraging words, Jesus demonstrates the abundant availability of his love and forgiveness. God understands that we are imperfect. He also knows our hearts. The Lord knows when we are truly sorry for what we have done and is patient with us and will forgive us when we sincerely repent. We are blessed to serve a merciful God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for being patient with me. You are holy and merciful. Help me to search my heart for anything that I’ve said or done that is not in line with your word. I repent from my sins and forgive those who have sinned against me. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Give Thanks to the Lord
