Day 33

Today, I’d like to explore another simple prayer: “Jesus, forgive me.” For some people, the word Forgiveness is uncomfortable or painful because they connect it to failure and shame. However, Forgiveness is not about shaming you: it’s about healing you and setting you free.

Jesus said, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17). All too often, we let our mistakes produce self-condemnation. But that’s not God’s goal, and it’s not His way of motivating us to change.

The word “Save” in this verse means rescue, deliver, or help. God isn’t out to punish you or make you feel like a failure for the mistakes you’ve made, but rather to rescue you. That’s why a prayer for Forgiveness brings healing and freedom. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Confession should be a daily practice because it keeps anything from coming between you and God. When Jesus taught His disciples the prayer that we now call the Lord’s Prayer, one of the things He instructed them to pray was “forgive us our sins” (Luke 11:4). He was recognizing that, due to our human nature, we make mistakes and hold wrong attitudes on a regular basis, which means we need to seek God’s Forgiveness for those things daily.

The point isn’t to beg God to forgive you against His Will. Remember, in Jesus, your sins are forgiven. God’s Grace is Infinite and Constant. The prayer “forgive me” is about you recognizing your mistakes and returning to God. Hidden, unconfessed sin poisons you from the inside. It grows and spreads like cancer. When you open your heart to God, you allow His Healing Power to cleanse and transform you. You acknowledge that you want to live differently, and you ask for His Grace to make better decisions moving forward.

As you spend time alone with the Lord this morning, let Him search your heart and see if there is anything you need to repent of and turn from. Examine your attitudes, your actions, your words, your relationships, your finances—don’t hold any area back from the Presence of the Holy Spirit. If you have made mistakes or are living in a way that you know is not wise and pleasing to God, pray, “Jesus, forgive me.” It’s the quickest path back to peace, love, and joy.

Questions for Reflection

1. What does the word “Forgiveness” mean to you?
2. How does God’s Forgiveness give you healing and freedom?
3. Are there any areas or actions you need to ask God to forgive? What are they, and are you willing to turn them over to Him and begin to make positive changes?