Forgive YourselfSample

HOW TO MOVE FORWARD 

If you’re a Christian, you’re already righteous in God’s sight through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). So what is this verse talking about? It’s talking about another chance. It’s not talking about your sin condition — that’s already been paid for by the blood of Jesus, and now you’re a new creature with His nature inside of you. This is talking about when you transgress (commit transgressions) and need forgiveness instead of guilt, mercy instead of judgement. 

So what should you do if you’ve blown it? Ask God to forgive you. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God knew you would goof up — He knew all of us would — so He made provision for it.

I love this verse, because it shows us exactly what to do when we’ve goofed up (and we all have). It says first, tell God about it (confess your sins). Now trust me when I tell you: when you confess is not the first time he’s heard about. He already knows you goofed up! The confession is for you. 

Just like in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve sinned and God showed up, asking them “What have you done?” (Gen. 3:13). Do you think God really didn’t know what they’d done? Of course he knew. He asked so they would know, and acknowledge their wrongdoing. As always, he’s more interested in our heart and our character than anything else.

Then the next part of that verse in 1 John is my favorite: after you confess, “He is faithful and just to forgive.” Is he faithful? Yes! He is faithful even when we are not (2 Timothy 2:13). This forgiveness you’re asking for isn’t based on you and what you’ve done, it’s based on his faithfulness. Oh thank God!

So if you’ve goofed up, it’s time to forgive yourself. Pray this: “Heavenly Father, I confess that I sinned (tell him what it is). Please forgive me and cleanse me from the propensity to sin again. Thank you for your faithfulness! I receive your forgiveness, in Jesus Name, amen.”