25-224 Receiving God’s Forgiveness

We talk a lot about forgiving others. But sometimes the hardest person to forgive… is yourself. You know what you did. You replay the moment. The regret. The shame. And even after God has forgiven you—you struggle to receive it. That ends today.

Our springboard for today’s discussion is:“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

Let’s get one thing straight: God’s forgiveness is not earned. It’s not awarded based on your behavior. It’s not delayed until you feel worthy. It’s given the moment you come to Him honestly, humbly, and confess your sin.

And when He forgives… it’s total. Complete. Final. “As far as the east is from the west…” (Psalm 103:12). He doesn’t just forgive the act—He washes the stain.

But the enemy loves to haunt forgiven people with unforgiven feelings. That’s where shame tries to take root. And that’s where we must stand on the Word, not on our feelings.

If you’ve confessed it, God has forgiven it. Period. If you’ve surrendered it, He’s covered it. Don’t pick it back up. Don’t punish yourself longer than God has.

You might remember what you did. But God chooses not to hold it against you. That’s the power of grace. It doesn’t ignore sin. It destroys its power. And when God looks at you, He sees the righteousness of Jesus, not the wreckage of your past.

So stop rehearsing the guilt. Start receiving the mercy. And live like someone who’s been fully, freely, and forever forgiven.

Question of the Day:Is there a sin you’ve confessed but still carry the shame for? Why haven’t you let it go?

Mini Call to Action:Write down 1 John 1:9. Read it out loud. And declare: “I am forgiven. I am clean. I am free. Shame has no power over me.”

Let’s Pray:Jesus, thank You for forgiving me—even when I struggle to forgive myself. Help me receive Your grace today, fully and completely. I lay down my shame and pick up Your mercy. In Your name, amen.

Let’s Get To Work!You’re not your mistake. You’re not your past. You are the beloved, blood-washed child of the King. Walk forgiven. Live free.

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