God 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
Is your past holding you back from the future God has planned for you?
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 1 Corinthians 5:17
Trust Him. Know that His forgiveness is not conditional. His love is everlasting. He is there for you.
He also says we are a new creation when we are in Him. We are no longer who we used to be – and if you are – if Christ really in you?
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 34:18-19
Trust in Him.
After forgiving yourself for your past, move forward continuously and forgive others as well.
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15
Forgiveness is hard but not being forgiven by your Heavenly Father….how would that make you feel?
As a review from Wednesday night when I spoke at Six Mile Baptist Church, “Forgiveness takes faith, trust Him, and always rely on His direction for your life.”
Who has done you wrong? Who needs to ask you for forgiveness?
That’s an easy one. Most people know of at least one person that has hurt them in the past that either they want them to ask for forgiveness or basically they want them to cease to exist? Am I right?
The Bible tells us to love everyone, but what about our enemies? I don’t know about you but I’ve been hurt pretty bad by some people that I just don’t know how to forgive – and honestly – I’m still working on forgiving some people in my life. It’s not easy. Go back to John 16:33 – Life is not going to be easy. BUT GOD has overcome the world!
There aren’t steps to forgiveness or levels of people who deserve it. God simply says, “ forgive others and I’ll forgive you.”
OUCH.
Here are a few other verses that will encourage you to forgive yourself, forgive others, and move forward in faith.
To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (HE WILL HELP YOU DO WHAT YOU THINK YOU COULD NEVER DO – FORGIVE)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
It all boils down to this…follow His commandments. Simple. Forgive. Let go and let God show you what He can do with your present and your future. You will find joy again. Just have faith and trust Him.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
Mark it in your Bible, write it on your mirror, memorize this verse as you follow His will for your life.
May God Bless You and Show You His Grace Every Day!
Kayla Rampey