Aug 11, 2021

Asking Forgiveness

Asking Forgiveness

     Feeling hatred toward our neighbor…being envious of the items our friend has…acting prideful by regularly bragging about ourselves on Facebook…stealing by intentionally not scanning a few items in the self-checkout register because no one is looking…fantasizing about having a sexual relationship with a coworker who also is married.

     The fact that we are called human beings rather than perfect beings reflects the reality that we will have times when we will go against God’s will––in other words, sin. As Christians we do not want to go against God’s word and break commandments, but there are times that we do.

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.

Romans 7:14-15 ESV

     We may struggle with the sinful behaviors we engage in when we live in the flesh, but fortunately, as Christians, have a God who loves us, sent His son to the world to die for us, and offers us the opportunity to repent. Some steps to seek forgiveness include:

  • Confessing your sin to God as soon as possible.
  • Being specific about your sin. For example, rather than say I behaved badly today when I was shopping, state Lord, I knowingly did not scan a few items when I used the self-checkout.
  • Let God know you are sorry for your action. Try to read scriptures related to your sin and include them in your prayers for forgiveness. Ask Him to forgive you and trust that He will. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, (Acts 3:19)
  • If you have wronged an individual seek forgiveness from that person. Accept that the person may not forgive you.
  • Don’t burden yourself with guilt but trust that the Lord will forgive you if you are sincere. Pray for strength and guidance to avoid this sin again: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.. (Psalm 51:10)

     We also should remember to offer forgiveness to others. It can be an important way for us to show that we understand and appreciate the forgiveness God has offered us.

“Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you”

Ephesians 4:32