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Forgiveness. It’s an area where many of us struggle. When someone hurts you, it’s hard to let it go. We like to take the pain and coddle it, mull it over, and relive the hurtful conversation or action. Soon the infection turns to bitterness. And bitterness turns the heart hard and away from God.

Sometimes the most difficult person to forgive is ourselves. When we hurt others, the pain often ricochets back. The disappointment turns inward. We are devastated by our own actions and words.

Look at today’s passage. Job reminds us that God will not keep track of our sins.

Job 14:16-17

For then you would number my steps; you would not keep watch over my sin; my transgression would be sealed up in a bag, and you would cover over my iniquity.

He seals our sin up in a bag, buries it in the ground, and covers it over. He puts them behind his back. He throws them in the sea of forgetfulness. He puts them out of sight and out of mind. But be sure, God does not take sin lightly. He sent his Son to pay sin’s penalty on the cross. God forgives us completely. We need to forgive others…and ourselves.

Talking Points

• Confess your sins to God and know that he promises to forgive them (1 John 1:9).
• Ask God to help you unload the heavy bag that holds guilt from the past. 

Father, thank you for your complete forgiveness. Help us show our gratitude by offering forgiveness to someone today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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