In 1 John 1:9, it says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Ephesians 1:7 tells us, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” There are many other passages throughout the Bible that ensure us that we are forgiven when we confess our sins and when we choose to walk in the ways of the Lord day in and day out. Even in knowing all this to be true, many of us struggle with the concept of truly being forgiven.
We don’t understand how all of our sins can be forgotten. Our earthly minds can keep us trapped in a place of despair, remembering everything we have ever done that might keep us from the grace that God is offering. When you choose to focus on all the bad in your life, your mind can become filled with bitterness. We must learn to focus on the good in life. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” We are commanded as Christians to put all the bad things out of our minds and focus on the good, on the forgiven.
When we are forgiven, we must keep trusting God to work everything out. Romans 8:28 assures us that — “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This doesn’t promise us that our path will be easy. It doesn’t promise that we will never have to asked God for forgiveness again, but it does promise that God is working in our lives constantly in ensure that every part of our lives have God’s fingerprints all over it. He is working nonstop to ensure that every aspect of your life works perfectly for your good.
When forgiveness seems hard to see and feel, we must wait patiently for God to restore. Psalm 62:1-2 says, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken,” God wants us to ask Him for forgiveness. It sometimes seems hard to imagine that we will be forgiven. In those times, we must try to rest in God and know that our salvation truly comes from Him. God is our foundation; He is our rock. In times of trouble, lean into Him and know that if we are planted firmly in Him, we cannot be shaken.
Your identity in Christ tells you that you are forgiven. You must stand firm and know who you are in Christ. Galatians 3:26-29 give us that hope. “So, in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothes yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
We are forgiven in Christ. The statement, “I am forgiven in Christ,” means that through faith in Jesus Christ, one has received God’s forgiveness for their sins, and their sins are no longer a barrier between them and God. This forgiveness is a gift, not earned. God offers forgiveness freely through Christ, and it is received by faith, not through our good works.
This week’s recipe is an easy weekday side dish that is perfect for these new, springtime vegetables that are finding their way on our supper time tables. My favorite part of summer and spring is all the
wonderful and delicious fruit and vegetables. My family loves this recipe, and I sure hope yours does as well.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
April 18, 2025
