Daily Devotional, Sept 18, 2023 Forgiving four

"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” ISAIAH 43:25

Forgiveness is not an easy concept to grasp, especially for a person who was wronged. It is never easy. And some unfortunately withhold it till they are in their grave. But the Lord calls us to keep on forgiving. After all, God has modeled the ultimate level of mercy and forgiveness for all of us. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

In this lifetime, there are four facets of forgiveness we need to experience. We are asked to forgive others,  ask for forgiveness from those we offended, forgive ourselves, and seek God’s mercy. The Lord has assured repentant sinners that he delights to forgive them and forget about their sins. “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.” Micah 7:18

As Christians we are to follow the Lord’s example in forgiving others who may have wronged us. It is actually emphasized that it is in forgiving others that we also receive the mercy of our God. The Gospel of Matthew is clear on this “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

As transgressors, we are also encouraged to ask for pardon from our fellowmen. We all make mistakes and we should know when to say sorry, and sincerely seek other people’s forgiveness. For by doing this, we show repentance and genuine love. In His Letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul reminded the church to show mercy on others “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

But one of the hardest things to do is for us to forgive ourselves. Sometimes when we make really costly mistakes, wrong life-changing decisions, and bad judgments we become so enraged at ourselves that we cannot move on. If you are in this rut, break the cycle and give yourself the grace to accept what the Lord has allowed to Happen. After all, we have a God who oversees and ordains everything that happens here on earth. St. Paul reminded us about this in his letter to the Romans “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set youfree from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

Besides, let us not think of ourselves too highly. If the God of All Creation, the Lord of the Universe managed to forgive us and forget about our transgressions if we seek for forgiveness through His Son, who are we to not forgive ourselves? We should swallow our pride, let go of our own mistakes, move on, and live a life for Christ. For only through that will we find everlasting peace till we get called to eternal life with Him.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Isaiah 1:16-20 and Micah 7:18-19 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Did you ever do something in your life that has resulted to negative consequences that you have to live throug and remember to this day? Have you considered forgiving yourself for that and asking for the Lord’s forgiveness too?

Conversation with the Lord: Almighty Father, I come before you bowed down and fully surrendered to your power, grace and mercy. Give me the confidence my Lord to forgive my own self for the wrongdoings that took me away from you. Empower me to live my life in you from hereon, Amen.