First of all, we all sin. Sin is very real in our lives. We do many things that aren’t pleasing to God. Acknowledging that you sin is a huge step. A lot of people sin and don’t think there’s anything wrong with it, while others do finally come to see how destructive sin can be. But God does not want us to live with guilt. He wants us to know and fully experience his forgiveness.

God does not simply overlook our sin and say, “You’re forgiven.” God sees our sin but is ready to forgive us because Jesus fully took our sin on himself and paid for our sin by his death on the cross. Our sin is serious and it cost Jesus incredible suffering but from the moment we believe in Christ and choose to live for him, his forgiveness is ours. We can’t ever make up for our own sin or suffer enough for it — nor does God want us to. In the Bible, it says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

But what happens when we struggle in an area and keep on sinning? Does God get so weary forgiving us that we, at some point, reach the limit of how many times he will forgive us?

Jesus was asked by the disciples how many times they needed to forgive someone. Jesus said, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). It’s unlikely that we can keep track of whether we forgive a particular individual 490 times, so you can see Jesus’ point: we are to always forgive because God always forgives us. God does not have a limit. He died for every one of your sins — those you’ve committed and those you will commit — past, present, and future. You need to begin looking at your sin the way God looks at it. The Bible says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). It also says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).

If you’ve asked God to forgive you and to come into your life — you are forgiven! Thank him for his forgiveness and begin to rejoice in your secure relationship with him. He is able to change areas of your life for the best. Remember, God is able to forgive all sin.


Photo Credit: Jian Xhin