What Happens When God Forgives Us?

Have you ever “forgiven” someone for a sin they committed against you…and then they do it again and you say, “You've done this 5 times already and I keep forgiving you. If you do it one more time, I won’t be able to forgive you again.” Or something to that effect? Basically, you put contingencies on your forgiveness.

It must be because we forgive conditionally so much of the time that we cannot fathom the unconditional, continual forgiveness of God. We deserve forgiveness from God even less than our husbands, families, in laws, friends, and neighbors deserve from us. We sin against a perfect God and they sin against another sinner.

When you ask for forgiveness from God, He is joyful to give it to you. He wipes your slate clean and invites you to spend eternity in heaven with Him. And you have no reason to feel the guilt and shame of your past sins ever again. Just like in the “Lion King” when Rafiki hit Simba over the head with his staff. Simba said, “What did you do that for?” Rafiki said, “It doesn’t matta’ it’s in de past!” Then Simba said, “Yeah, but it still hurt.” And Rafiki replied, “Yes, de past can hurt. But, you can eitha’ run from it or learn from it.”

Yes, our pasts can hurt. Yes, we can still think our choices were stupid. Dating that person you shouldn’t have dated and making some horrible decisions with him. Then getting married and having to tell your husband (which you should have done before you got married). Or, maybe, you’ve had an abortion and can’t even look at yourself in the mirror anymore. Whatever your sin, whatever your scenario, God loves you. So much! And he is more than willing to forgive you and take away that heavy shame burden that you carry. He will never throw it back in your face to remind you of how “bad” you are. God doesn’t do that. He is not cruel. Making you feel like crap is what Satan does. Because when you are distracted with your pain and you feel guilty and worthless and depressed you won’t be singing praises to Jesus or witnessing to other people. When you feel guilty for sins you have already confessed to God and He has forgiven you, that is Satan lying to you and manipulating you. Bind those thoughts and cast them into the depths of the ocean. God loves you, Sister. He sent His Son to die for the dumb sins you have committed. You are FREE! So let yourself be free. He doesn’t expect or want you to suffer for those sins anymore. Stop punishing yourself and allow yourself to feel God’s arms around you, loving you.