Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
No human being is perfect. Everyone sins at times (Romans 3:23), and when we do, we often feel bad about ourselves. Sometimes we even think we can punish ourselves if we feel guilty enough about our sin. This is not true. Sin does have a high price, but Jesus has paid it in full. When He died on the cross, He provided forgiveness for all our sins—past, present, and future.
When we ask God’s forgiveness for our sin, He forgives us immediately and even forgets our sins completely (Isaiah 43:25). He shows us mercy with no strings attached. Even if there are consequences of the sin, we can move forward free from guilt, regret, or shame because God’s forgiveness cleanses us thoroughly, and His mercy gives us a fresh start.
For years, I was a rigid, legalistic person. I had never experienced mercy, so I did not know how to receive it from God or give it to others. Thankfully, God has helped me in this area. Now when I sin, I repent and receive God’s mercy immediately. I do feel bad about the mistakes I make, and I am sorry for making them, but I refuse to live in bondage to guilt and condemnation.
Knowing that God has forgiven us and that His mercy is always available should empower us to resist negative emotions such as shame and guilt. Jesus came to give us a wonderful, abundant life, and God’s forgiveness and mercy set us free to enjoy it.
Prayer of the Day: Help me, God, to remember that You are merciful and to receive Your mercy and the freedom You offer me when I repent of my sins, amen.
