Forgiveness and Freedom

There is freedom in forgiveness. But, first you have to be forgiven.

The beauty of this is that we have been forgiven. The Sovereign God has forgiven us. He no longer sees our imperfections or mess ups. He sees the inside of us. The inside that is now filled with His spirit. We are filled with Him and His glory. We are made perfect through him.

Yet, we still fail.

Simply because we are human. Our flesh battles our spirit and we fail every time. And it hurts. It tears you up and breaks you down. And sometimes, it doesn't only affect you, but those around you.

As a family and body of Christ, we are called to point out each others faults and wrongdoings. Even when it may hurt another person or hurt you for having to do it. Because, no one likes to be told they are wrong. But we have to be told, through love. Even if we don't learn the first time, we still need to be told. We need to be encouraged to overcome our sin.

But, there is one thing we sometimes overlook.

We have to recognize our sin, ourselves.

And when you recognize your sin, you become repulsed by it. So much, that with every fiber in your being you never want to succumb to that sin again. Ever.

And the beauty of finally recognizing this, gives you the most absolute freedom that you will ever experience. The freedom that can only come from a Holy, Sovereign, Forgiving, Just, Loving, Caring, God. A freedom that is like no other.

A freedom that empowers you. A freedom that gives you peace. A freedom that enables you beyond your own control. A freedom that you can't live without. A freedom that freely comes from God.

You only have to take that one hard step. Don't look back at the mess behind you, because it only slows you down. Looking back and seeing all the destruction reminds you that you failed. You already know that, you don't need anymore reminders.

We have to press on toward Jesus. The One who gave us the freedom and the forgiveness. The One who enables you to forget the past and change the future.

But, what about the people who you seemed to leave behind? The ones who find it hard to forgive. The ones who don't know if they can encourage you to overcome your sin? The ones who find it too hard?

You just have to love. Because, that is what Christ did for us. He loved us enough to forgive us of everything that we have done. He bared it all on the Cross and more! He took it all away with love and forgave us.

And now, we have to forgive each other as He forgave us. And cover each other with love.

Words are fleeting, only lasting for mere moments. But, our words have to be true. And our actions have to be louder. People sometimes don't listen to words, but they can't help but see actions. We have to be different. How can we not be? We are changed forever by the grace of God and are never held under the dominion of sin again! It is no longer a part of us!! Why do we keep letting it come back? Because, our flesh battles our spirit. It is a battle that will never stop, but now because of the freeing forgiveness that we have received from Christ, we can't lose.

It hurts not to be forgiven by those around you, but it is freeing to know that you are forgiven by the One who truly saves you and wants the best for you.

And believe me, I know from experience. 
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"Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body,
arm yourselves also with the same attitude,
because
he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
As a result, he does not live
the rest of his earthly life
for evil human desires,
but rather for the will of God.
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do --
living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
They think it strange that you do not plunge with them
into the same flood of dissipation,
and they heap abuse on you.
But they will have to give account to Him
who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
For this is the reason the gospel was preached
even to those who are now dead,
so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body,
but
live according to God in regard to the spirit.
The end of all things is near.
Therefore
be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as speaking the very words of God.
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.
Amen."

-- 1 Peter 4:1-11