Resting in Forgiveness

Devotional Reading: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 KJV

Forgiveness is a gift given to us that we then get to share with other people. When living a life of forgiveness seems difficult or even impossible at times, we can look to God for our strength and rest in the truth that He has already forgiven us.

In Romans, Paul tells us that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. John reminds us that when we do sin and fall short, Jesus advocates for us to the Father. The God of the universe is on our side, and nothing can take that away from us.

As recipients of this great gift, we should be the ones most ready to offer it others. Even when people act terribly to us, even when they do not deserve our forgiveness, we can remember that we too were forgiven when we did not deserve to be. We too received the wonderful, scandalous gift of grace. We too, then, should share it with others.

One of the hardest parts about living this out, though, is that sometimes people don’t ask for forgiveness or they may not receive your forgiveness when offered. Forgiveness is unnatural for us. Asking for it requires that we confess our sins, expose our mistakes to another person.

Offering forgiveness can be even harder. To look at a person who hurt you, someone who caused you pain, and say “you are forgiven” takes a lot of strength. It’s not something we can do on our own, and it forces us to rely more heavily on the power of God.

The verse for today can help you set your mind on the beauty of the forgiveness offered to you. Use it as a fuel to go and forgive others and come to them often to rest in the forgiveness given to you.

Prayer and Confession
I am a forgiven person, I receive the strength always. Amen

Further Reading: 1John 2:1-6, Romans 8:1-6
Reading The Prophets: Amos 1-5