When Forgiveness is Fully Received

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2 (New International Version)

David knew the taste of sin and regret in his own life. He knew what it was like to bring about painful consequences in another person’s life because of his own sin and sinful choices. He knew what it was like to not be able to go back and undo damage he had caused or fix messes he had made. Many have been the people who have lived frozen in that realization but not David. No matter the size or ramifications of the sin, he was one who brought it to God and received the forgiveness only God could give. The consequences were still there but the condemnation and guilt were removed and in that he marveled, danced, and delighted!

Sometimes the most difficult part about walking in forgiveness is believing that we really are forgiven. To have the sense of the Message when it says forgiveness is being given a fresh start and a slate that has been wiped clean. To no longer live under the guilt or condemnation of past mistakes, sins, and wrongs. As long as we feel it is still hanging over our lives, we remain unable to move forward. So we walk in a vicious cycle of guilt, confession, forgiveness, guilt. No sense of release. No sense of closure. It doesn’t go away. We remain trapped. These are a sure sign that God’s forgiveness is not being experienced or embraced.

I have found that some incredible things take place when I have fully understood and experienced God’s forgiveness. First, the condemnation is gone! My spirit is able to breath again. Second, I am better able to extend forgiveness to others. Third, I no longer sense a need to be forgiven by others. While it is imperative that I ask people to forgive me if I have wronged them, their choice to forgive me is for their benefit not mine. In truth, any unforgiveness they hold on to imprisons, controls, and binds them until they choose to walk in forgiveness and freedom.

Now that I know that, I am better equipped to pray for that person with the desire that they really would be released from a heart of unforgiveness. It may take time as they work through the hurt, blaming, anger, and unhappiness but God will be relentless to bring them to a point of realizing their heart attitude is their own responsibility. It is up to them to choose the path of forgiveness. Their freedom comes as they let go of the notion that they are entitled to feel the way they feel and harbor what they are harboring. I have seen God do that very thing in the life of a loved one and I praise Him for it!

Father, receiving Your forgiveness has changed me and my life. Amen.

He Has Forgiven Me - Damaris Carbaugh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQhHN_Ed4sk

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.