Today we consider the grace of God to forgive our sins. In prayer we are to ask for forgiveness: “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”.
All of us would have done things that are wrong in the sight of God — we would have signed against HIm. Romans 3:23 says that, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Because of this, we all require forgiveness. It is, therefore, extremely important for us to acknowledge that and humbly ask God to forgive us.
Sin drives a wedge between man and God. Our Heavenly Father hates sin. So if we continue in our sins we cannot continue in the presence of God.
Asking for forgiveness, however, is not simply parroting the words, “forgive me”. For forgiveness to be effected in one’s life, it must be a genuine heartfelt expression of regret, coupled with a commitment to abandon the sinful way. “He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whosoever confesses and FORSAKES them, shall have mercy” (Prov. 28:13).
There is a wonderful promise in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. God loves you and He is willing to forgive you.
Pray with me — Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus, asking you to forgive me of my sins, I need your mercy, cleanse me from all unrighteousness, and make me a new person in Christ Jesus. Amen.