Christian Writers Circle

The Grace of Forgiveness
by Judy Hitson

1 John 1:9 NKJV If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I have tasted and I see the mercy and goodness of God in my life. God is gracious to forgive our sins. We need not be afraid of God but rather know His love and forgiveness in our lives. Through confession and repentance we discover God’s forgiveness and cleansing.

Andrew Murray’s book, CONFESSION The Road to Forgiveness is a good read to understand the grace of forgiveness. 

This hymn comes to mind as I write, “Grace Greater Than Our Sin.” Whether or not you are familiar with this hymn, I’d like to share the refrain with you to think about:

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

There was a time in my life, I thought those words were too good to be true. I was guilt ridden with my sins and desperate to know the Lord. It was a miracle for me to receive His forgiveness and cleansing when I confessed my sins to Him. His grace did abound more than my sin. (See Romans 5:15-17)

The full experience of this grace didn’t happen in an instant or even overnight. In fact, I was stuck for 21 years with doubts, fears and unbelief. God had forgiven me but I couldn’t forgive myself. That is often the case for many of us, unable to forgive ourselves.  

Have you tasted the goodness of the Lord with the grace of forgiveness?

When we do, then we come to realize our need to forgive others as the Lord forgave us. Unforgiveness blocks our relationship with God. That should be enough to keep us on the road of forgiveness. Yet in our humanness, we often struggle to forgive.

Matthew 6:14-15 NLT If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Prayer: Lord help us to confess our sins to You and believe You are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Thank You Lord for Your forgiveness and cleansing of our sins. Help us to forgive others who sin against us as You have forgiven us. In Jesus name and by Your Spirit. Amen.