A question many people wrestle with is: will God forgive me when I fail? One of my friends had two abortions and wrestled with this sin for many years. One day we had a private forgiveness service for her, where she also gave the children names. In God’s grace, great healing took place as she received the Lord’s forgiveness.
Sometimes when we have sinned, we listen to our enemy, satan, who tells us God will not forgive what we did. Jesus died for our sins on the cross, and we receive forgiveness as we confess our sins. You may need to hear those words of forgiveness today as you reflect on your past.
1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.[1] King David was a murderer and adulterer, and God forgave him. Paul persecuted Christians in the early church and was forgiven and called by the Lord to be an Apostle.
Joseph’s Brothers Could be Forgiven
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery when he was seventeen. Joseph was a high official in Egypt many years later through the Lord’s intervention. Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt during a drought to purchase grain when they unknowingly met Joseph. Joseph’s brothers did not recognize him until he revealed himself to them.
Genesis 45:3 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. 4 “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. 5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.[2]
Confronted with their sin, Joseph’s brothers needed to ask for forgiveness. Would the Lord forgive them? The answer is yes! Real healing takes place as we confess our sin
We Can Forgive Others
Forgiveness is the center of the Christian faith. Jesus died so we could receive forgiveness for our sins. Because Jesus forgives our sins, the Lord calls us to forgive others just as the Lord has forgiven us. Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! [3]
Jesus told Peter we should forgive and then keep forgiving. Asking the Lord for forgiveness or forgiving someone else is not easy, but we can do it with the Lord’s strength. Do you ask the question: Will God forgive me when I fail? Listen here to find out more:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/joseph-reveals-his-identity
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
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