Day 23 "Forgiven, Justified"
The Forgiven Forgive
Good Morning Beauties!
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!” Psalm 32:1 NLT
Do you live as a forgiven follower of Jesus Christ? Have you truly repented of your sins and accepted this free gift of forgiveness? Is there anything holding you back? Selah.
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Psalm 103:12 NLT
Not only does Jesus forgive us, He forgets our sins as though they never existed. Jesus doesn’t suddenly remember a forgiven sin and ask you for more repentance. He forgives and forgets. Hallelujah! Do you live in the freedom of this truth? Selah.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 5:1 NIV
Jesus provides a “clean slate” for us. Our justification allows us to live just as if we have never sinned. Take a few moments to wrap your head around this truth. The enemy will torment your mind with lies saying, “you’re damaged and dirty. How could a good God ever want you?” Will you believe the lies or the truth? Selah.
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9 NLT
Just as Jesus forgave us, we too are to forgive others. Forgiveness maintains a healthy close relationship - just like yours with Jesus. It allows you to give what you’ve been freely given and didn’t deserve. Who do you need to extend the olive branch? What healthy relationship needs repairing? How will your leadership teach others to forgive? Selah.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
This scripture goes into more detail of how we are to forgive others. Words like bitterness, rage, and anger tell me that the offense may have been severe, and yet, we are still called to forgive. You may have been abused, betrayed, or abandoned, and still - you must forgive. You must make a decision with your mind to forgive the person, and believe your emotions will one day catch up. “But it’s too hard,” you say. In your own strength, you’re right, but you have the power of almighty God through the Holy Spirit who lives inside you. You can forgive! You must forgive as Jesus forgave you.
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 NIV
”But they must pay for what they did,” you say. Yes, they will pay, but the vengeance belongs to the Lord. You can let go of the offense and find freedom. You can let the Lord deal with the person, and you can simply walk away with your peace and freedom in tact. Remember, forgiveness with the Love of Jesus doesn’t mean you must stay in relationship with the person who is harmful. Forgiveness doesn’t require you trust the person again, it requires letting go of the offense.
Are you in this situation? Has someone deeply wounded you so that there is no repairing the relationship? Has Jesus told you to walk away from the person for your own health and safety? How will you forgive and let the Lord deal with the necessary consequences? Selah.
Is there someone your’re leading who finds herself in this situation? How will you guide her through this pain with God’s grace and the love of Jesus? How will you show her how to do the hard work? Selah.
This song has a beautiful message of forgiveness that will inspire you in your time of prayer.
Forgiveness - Matthew West
(I do not own the rights to this video)
Love and Blessings,
Kendra
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.”