How to Embrace Your Identity in ChristSample

A Forgiven Forgiver

The moment you said yes to Jesus, you were forgiven of your sin—past, present, and future. We can see this truth in Scripture. But just about every Christian has wondered at some point, Could God really forgive the worst things I’ve done?

Yes, He could. And He did. Just look through the stories of Jesus in the Bible, and you’ll find plenty of examples of Jesus forgiving people—like Paul, a man who worked hard to end the Christian movement through violence.

Paul found forgiveness through Jesus, even after the awful things he’d done. Jesus’ forgiveness wasn’t an endorsement of Paul’s sin. Instead, it was a gift that let Paul find freedom from shame so he could embrace his true identity as a forgiven follower of Jesus.

If you’ve decided to follow Jesus, you’ve been forgiven, too, no matter what you’ve done. We don’t earn forgiveness; it’s a gift we simply get to receive. No strings attached. It may take some time in Scripture and prayer to come to believe this at a deep level, so keep reading God’s truth about it in His Word and keep talking to Him about it.

A frequent practice of gratitude for His complete forgiveness for you through Christ will put other things in perspective. When we embrace our identity as forgiven people, it’s easier to extend forgiveness to our friends, family, and neighbors.

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank You for helping me continue pursuing You with confidence, knowing that I can start fresh every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Today, remember that you are forgiven. You may still face consequences from your past choices, but you don’t have to live with constant feelings of guilt or shame.