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Forgiveness with No Regret


Over the years, I have had several people tell me that they cannot forgive themselves. They probably mean that they will not forgive themselves. They make it sound like they are incapable of forgiving themselves.

In either case, this problem is not found in the Bible. There is no teaching or example of people forgiving themselves or not forgiving themselves.

My question is, “Who do they think they are—God?” In the Bible, we find that God is faithful and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If that is true, we should thank God for this forgiveness and cleansing. If a person feels unforgiven, it may be that his sorrow for his sin is not godly sorrow. Godly sorrow leads to repentance, which leaves no regret.

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

If he still has regret, it proves that his sorrow is not godly. It is worldly sorrow. That kind of sorrow is remorse. It is not godly. It leads to death. Here are words I hear: “If I were God, I would not forgive me.” Thank God that you are not God! There is no sin too great for the grace of God. Grace is always greater than our sin.

“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:20).


This post coordinates with today's reading in the Same Page Summer Bible Reading Challenge. If you are not in a daily reading plan, please join us at TotheWord.com. We would love to have you reading with us.

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