“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old is gone, the new is here! » (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Your life in Christ is beautiful; you know that? His precious blood has cleansed you from sin and shame, and you have been made new. So when past sins come to mind, there is no reason to let them remain. There is no benefit to replaying them in your mind. And there’s certainly nothing good in feeling guilty again.
The Bible assures us of our security in Christ, of our identity marked by his love and grace. Our mistakes do not define us; God does it. Throughout Scripture, we remember the Savior’s forgiveness, redemption, and invitation to abide. So here’s what to do when past sins come to mind.
Remember the extent of God’s forgiveness
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. » (1 John 1:9)
Because human forgiveness is often limited, we sometimes think that God’s forgiveness is also limited. However, thanks to the mercy of the Lord, we are not consumed! (Lamentations 3:22) Every confession we make is like a contract between our Creator, who faithfully forgives us and purifies us from all unrighteousness, and us. And you know what? The Lord does not go back on his promises.
“The Lord is trustworthy in all that he promises and faithful in all that he does. » (Psalm 145:13)
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. » (2 Corinthians 1:20)
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
It was Corrie Ten Boom who said: “God takes our sins – the past, the present and the future, and throws them into the sea and puts up a sign that says NO FISHING. » What a useful visual of our sin being cast into the depths of the sea, never to be fished out again! For now, we sincerely confess that God is as far from them as the east is from the west. He is faithful to forgive us, cleanse us, and remove us from sin and shame.
In the article titled 8 Important Things to Understand and Remember About God’s Forgiveness, Meg Bucher writes, “God’s forgiveness is a gift…He is not only faithful to forgive us the sin we see and confess, but He also intends to move our hearts to see other areas of our lives where sin sabotages our freedom in Christ. »
Don’t let the reminder of your past sins sabotage your freedom in Christ. Remember the extent of God’s forgiveness and be encouraged by Numbers 23:19which says: “God is not a man to lie, not a human being to change his mind. Does he speak and then fail to act? Does he promise and then fail to deliver?”
Remember the blessing of faith in Christ
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life which I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Faith is not based on feelings, but when past sins come to mind, they can stir up strong emotions that cause us to question our devotion to God. But remember that you no longer live according to the flesh, but according to faith in the Son of God. Your faith, no matter how small, is powerful!
• Prayers of faith heal. (James 5:15)
• Statements of faith help us overcome. (1 John 5:4)
• Steps of faith give us courage. (2 Corinthians 5:6-7)
In the article Wear Your Faith in Christ Proudly, the author writes: “We never become perfect people on this earth. Following Christ offers us comfort in ways we don’t have to be.” His words remind us that even though we live imperfectly, we have faith in a perfect Savior who blesses us with a renewed mind, heart, and spirit.
The next time past sins come to mind, say out loud, “I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me!” »
Shameful memories cannot persist when faith is in motion. Pray, declare, and take the next faithful step. The Lord your God equips you to resist your painful past and move forward with clarity and peace.
Remember the importance of respecting
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”John 15:9-11 ESV)
Abiding in God’s love is the key to dealing with past regrets. When you imagine the goodness in the Father’s eyes as He looks at you with the greatest love ever known, there is no room for self-condemnation. Oswald Chambers once said, “There is no condition of life in which we cannot abide in Jesus.” »
God’s love removes what we think are permanent stains. His grace and mercy flow over us with purity and light. We are clothed in the righteousness of Christ and we abide in his love.
To abide means to remain, to dwell in, and to be continually present with. When we stand firm in the love of Jesus, living in him and being constantly surrounded by him, our joy will be complete. Memories of the past will fade and sting less.
We can’t always control what comes to mind, but we can control how we react to that thought. As 2 Corinthians 10:5 says: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that opposes the knowledge of God, and we capture every thought to make it obedient to Christ. »
The love of Christ is powerful in demolishing arguments about past sins. His kindness extinguishes the flaming arrows of the enemy before they reach us.
When past sins come to mind, remember the extent of God’s forgiveness – as far as the east is from the west. Remember the blessing of your faith – the newness you have in Jesus Christ. And remember the importance of remaining faithful, of remaining in the constant presence of the Savior.
A personal prayer to let go of past sins:
Father God, your Word says that you have removed my transgressions as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12) I trust you in this and, therefore, I free you from all sins – past, present and future. Please thwart the plans of the evil one and help me resist the temptation to dwell on my failures. In You I have total victory and I walk in the light of Your love. I choose to abide in You, because You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. In the name of Jesus, amen.
More resources for your trip:
Healing Regret in a Broken World
Goodbye shame and regret; Hello Freedom and Purpose
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