“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.â€�²

One of the common phrases used when hearing teachings on forgiveness is that we are to forgive and forget. However, as humans, we may find that our memory betrays us, because as much as we would like to forget how others have wronged us, our memories remain even though we have forgiven. We may find ourselves needing to forgive an offense every time that memory pops up, or reminding ourselves that we already forgave that. This is part of our human flaw… forgetting things is much easier said than done!

When it comes to God, however, He truly does forgive and forget! When we come before him, confess our sins, and repent wholeheartedly, he is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us. Satan may try to use the memories of our past mistakes to keep us in bondage or create a feeling of false guilt within us, but this is where we need to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and promises to us. In Isaiah 43:25 he assures us that he will never think of our sins again! This may be hard to believe due to our human inability to do so, but that’s why God is God and we are not!

When we practice forgiveness on a daily basis, it frees us and allows us to receive the blessings that God has in store for us. When we fail to forgive others who have hurt us in some way, we hold ourselves hostage in a prison that God never intended for us. Each time we experience an offense or remember a past hurt, let us choose to take advantage of that moment to practice forgiveness. Even though it is not always possible to forget, forgiving is something we are called to give as children of God. The more we learn to forgive, the more we will experience God’s perfect peace in our lives and become available for the plan and purpose he has for us.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for your complete forgiveness of my sins through Jesus. Thank you for not holding my sins against me, but rather removing them far from me and never remembering them again. Help me practice forgiving others with every opportunity you give me, so that I can be free to love others as you love me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Isaiah 43:25 (NLT).

2. Psalm 103:12 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.