The other day, I read a story about a little girl who apologised to her mum for her bad behaviour. This in itself isn’t remarkable—but what is remarkable is the girl was apologising again several days after the incident. She had already apologised several times, but it seemed she needed her mum’s confirmation she was forgiven.
The Forgiveness of Jesus
This story made me stop and think about the way I ask God and Jesus for forgiveness. I know I have asked many times for Him to forgive me for my past sins. But as I think deeply about this, I realise that what I’m suggesting is that God’s forgiveness once isn’t enough.
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved…” (Ephesians chapter 2, verse 4-5)
In the Old Testament, it was required that every time someone sinned, or on specified days, God’s people were to sacrifice an animal for the forgiveness of their sins. Because the animal wasn’t a sufficient sacrifice, the process needed to be repeated several times.
Then along came Jesus. He died on the cross for our sins – for the forgiveness of our sins. But unlike the animal sacrifices of the old days, Jesus only needed to die once for us to receive his forgiveness.
Forgive me Jesus…again
So why do we feel the need to ask for forgiveness again and again? Once we ask God for forgiveness, and truly repent of our sin, we are forgiven.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians chapter 2, verse 8-9).
Unlike God’s people in the Old Testament, there is no need for us to give multiple sacrifices (or forgiveness requests) for the same sin. Instead, we are to truly repent and then we are wiped clean, made as white as snow, and most importantly—forgiven.
It made me realise that when I ask God to forgive me for a sin I’ve already asked forgiveness for, I am telling him that I don’t believe Jesus’ sacrifice was enough. I’m telling him that my sin is bigger than the resurrection of Jesus and I need confirmation He will forgive me.
Forgiveness in real life
Unfortunately, being forgiven by other people is not as easy or all-encompassing as being forgiven by God. Many people hold on to grudges and bring out a list of them when a new disagreement occurs. It’s often seen in relationship counselling, when one partner says “they’re always reminding me of what I’ve done wrong” and it leads to a relationship breakdown.
God doesn’t want our relationship with him to break down. He wants our relationship to go from strength to strength. He loves us so much He doesn’t want to keep a list of all the sins we have asked forgiveness for. They have been let go and no longer exist.
Because the human race are so determined to get their pound of flesh from a perceived wrong, we feel we need to constantly ask for their forgiveness. Even when we are told we are forgiven, we have this niggling feeling that we are not truly forgiven.
It might show in the way they act around us now, how they respond to our attempts at conversation or even whether they’re willing to catch up for a coffee. So it’s not surprising we ask God multiple times for His forgiveness.
So what’s the solution?
I think the most important thing to remember is that God is not like the world. When God forgives us, He truly means it. When He says we are cleansed and made white as snow, He’s not making a list for your next argument with Him.
Going back to God’s word in the Bible is also important. It is a way for us to be reminded of God’s great love, that surpasses anything we have experienced in this world. And even deeper than that, God’s word will explain why God loves us so much, even when the world doesn’t.
So if you’ve asked God for forgiveness of your sins, start believing you are forgiven. God doesn’t keep tally of your wrongs – He forgives you with all his heart.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” (Corinthians chapter 13, verse 4-8)
Emma is a full time admin worker with a passion for Christ and an interest in reading, writing and music.
Emma Seabrook’s previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/emma-seabrook.html