Topic: Receiving Forgiveness [Joyce Meyer Devotional 14 March 2021]
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. . . Open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and a place and portion among those who are consecrated and purified by faith in Me.— Acts 26:18 (AMPC)
God has provided forgiveness for our sins through Jesus, but we need to learn to receive the amazing gift that He’s given. If you’re still angry with yourself for past sins, then it’s time to fully receive what God has provided for you. No matter how long you feel guilty, you can never pay for your sins. All that any of us can do is admit our sins, be willing to turn from them, and then joyfully and thankfully receive the amazing free gift of God’s complete forgiveness.
Imagine how you would feel if you sacrificed a lot, and paid a high price for a gift that you wanted to give to someone, but when you offered it, they refused to receive it. Maybe they felt that they didn’t deserve it, or that it was too expensive for them to take. Or maybe they’d wronged you in the past and still felt as if they owed you something and couldn’t possibly receive such an amazing, free gift from you. All the effort you’d made in providing the gift would be useless unless they received it.
The same is true when we don’t receive the gift of forgiveness God has provided for us. When you receive it, you’ll feel relieved because you won’t be carrying guilt and condemnation anymore, and your joy will begin to return.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for the amazing gift of forgiveness. I know that I don’t deserve it, but by faith, I receive it now. Please help me let go of any sins that are tripping me up, and the guilt and condemnation they’ve caused. Thank You for Your forgiveness, and for Your grace to move forward! In Jesus’ name, amen.