U is for unashamed
“But you don’t know what I’ve done!” Tears streamed down my friend’s face as she struggled to believe the words of forgiveness. Her past mistakes clung to her like chains. It is hard to separate what we’ve done from who we are. Our sin – past, present and future does not define us.
By his blood Jesus redeemed us. God forgives and forgets our past not because of anything we say or do – but out of love. We can stand forgiven, free and faultless before the throne. Amazing love – how can it be?
What about when we sin after we are a Christ follower?
God wants you to confess, turn from your sin and accept His grace.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” Acts 3.19
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Who does Jesus say I am?
He calls you his brother or sister.
“Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.” Hebrews 2:11
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Eph. 1:7
What about those accusing voices in your head?
When we repent God uses words like: reconciled, forgiven, redeemed, purified, and righteous to describe us.
“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Col. 1:22
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Is. 1:18
Who we are isn’t what we’ve done… I like that. And I love God’s communication that those who are forgiven more, love more. It’s bouyed me as a Christian. Thank you for addressing both pre- and post- salvation guilt.