The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Planનમૂનો

More Than Forgiveness — Acceptance

I just can’t forgive myself . . .” How often have we heard or spoken these words? Many of us struggle with a lingering sense of guilt in our hearts even after we have repented of our sin and know in our minds that we are forgiven.

What we need to learn in this situation is that acceptance is also a part of the discipline of repentance and confession. We must say to ourselves by faith, “In Jesus Christ, I am forgiven.” As feelings arise that contradict this statement, we must affirm it again and again.

Another key to acceptance is understanding that absolute moral perfection will only be attained in heaven. We are fallible people. Scripture reminds us that “as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13 – 14). We are people of dust, and often we are covered with the grit and grime of sin. But no physical body is in perfect health at all times. A body’s vitality can be seen even in sickness as it fights to overcome infection or heal wounds. This self-repair is itself a sign of life and health. In the same way, our sensitivity to sin and our willingness to repent signals that our spirituality is alive and well.

Human limitations need not only be sources of shame; they can also be avenues for grace. In Jesus Christ, God loves us, and he is constantly transforming us into his image. When we are tempted to despair, we should remind ourselves at that very moment that Christ came for situations just like this!

As human beings, we have potential and limitations. Both are to be managed by the Holy Spirit. We should not let weaknesses or failures disqualify us or discourage us from making an effort in the first place. Our attitude should say, “Though I may fail in the attempt, I will go forward.” And as we take steps of faith, we can trust that God will use each failure to bring us new growth, with his grace and acceptance undergirding us.

Putting It into Practice

When do you find it most difficult to accept God’s forgiveness? Review what the Bible says about forgiveness and then write a letter in your journal of what you would to say to a person who does not feel forgiven. When you finish, read that letter aloud to yourself.

Taken from NIV Spiritual Renewal