Choosing Forgiveness Sýnishorn

Forgiveness flows to you.

Before we can begin to extend forgiveness to anyone else, we must recognize that forgiveness is extended to us. After all, we cannot give what we don’t have. Romans 3:23 says that all of us have sinned and we all fall short of the glory of God. There is not a single person on the planet who is not in need of forgiveness, and this includes ourselves. The good news is that forgiveness flows from God to each one of us, and it’s up to us to choose to receive it.

You might think that what you’ve done is too much and unforgivable, or perhaps you live by a standard that sets a high bar of working your way into forgiveness. However, Romans 5 breathes hope for the way it highlights that, righteous or not (and we are not), what we do or think we deserve isn’t a factor. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (v. 8). That means He came right into the middle of our messes, called us worthy of rescue, and created an escape route.

The truth is, we all are in need of forgiveness and none of us deserve it. Our wayward and rebellious hearts lead us astray time and time again, but God is continuously merciful and forgiving. Each time we turn to Him in repentance, all we have to do is receive His forgiveness and step into the freedom that comes with it.

Is there something you’ve said or done that you think is unforgivable? You are never too far from His mercy. What might it look like to open the door to let forgiveness rush in and wash over you?