MAY 19, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

MAY 19 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING:  MATTHEW 18:21-35

For those who have received forgiveness of their sin because they have trusted in Jesus as their Savior, you can know that God does not keep record of your past sins. They are gone as far as He is concerned, and it is His concern that really matters. Jesus told us that we should forgive those who trespass against us, "seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22). In other words, we are to forgive continually. If we are called to do this, what do you think the forgiveness of God is like? Not only does He continually forgive, but He does not keep a record, nor does He remember our sins. Only God can perfectly forget our trespasses against Him. He who knows all, chooses to not remember our sins that are forgiven in Christ Jesus. And He is merciful and filled with grace, so He will continue to forgive our sins as we bring them to Him in confession. He doesn't remind us of past sins, for to Him they are gone.

We all struggle with besetting sins, those things that we don't want to do, and we find ourselves doing them. We pray and ask for forgiveness and strength, but then find ourselves once again committing those same sins. We wonder how long the Lord will put up with us....how long He will continue to forgive the same sins. The Psalmist spoke of the goodness of God and the reality of our human weakness, he said of God, "...He remembers we are dust" (Psalm 103:4). God's mercy and forgiveness never come up short. His forgiveness is not based upon our lack of obedience or how many times we sin...it is found in His goodness, grace, and mercy. There is a reason we sing, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me..." I do not share these thoughts to leave it in anyone's mind that sin doesn't matter, or that we are free to sin with impunity. I share this to speak of the wonder of God's complete forgiveness to those who come to Him through His Son, Jesus. Sin will destroy...but the forgiveness of God removes the penalty of that sin completely!

Please share your thoughts.