How To Live Forgiven

Forgiveness; it’s one of the main tenants of the Christian faith, the reason Christ came down to earth, at the very heart of the gospel, Good News incarnate. And yet, how easily do we forget this basic principle when we stumble in our walk with God? We build up in our heads that “this is it. The well of God’s grace has surely run dry. There can’t possibly be enough mercy for me this time.” We are so easily downtrodden, quick to doubt God’s goodness, and question his infinite supply of grace and mercy. Yes, even for you, even for this. John 3:16 is one of the most quoted and iconic verses in the Bible. “For God so loved the world, He gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” We serve a God who loves, who wants to give grace upon grace, and wants to restore to you the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12).

Most Christians know these things to be true. God is a loving God, his forgiveness is free for those who would take it. But how do we let this head knowledge sink deep into our souls, and come out in our actions? I’m glad you asked! Here are 4 steps to take on the road to living a forgiven life.

Confess

This one seems like a no brainer, but it is still a vital step on the path to forgiveness and healing. 1 John 1:9 says that “if we confess or sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Sometimes we confuse conviction with confession, and skip this step altogether. You can be convicted of a particular sin in your life, or maybe you were even called out by someone about a specific area of sin, but until you acknowledge your wrong doing before God, letting go of all excuses or justifications, you will never be fully healed.