Live Forgiven

by Max Lucado from Live Loved

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

“God’s well of grace must have a bottom to it,” we reason.

“A person can request forgiveness only so many times,” contends our common sense.

“Cash in too many mercy checks, and sooner or later one is going to bounce!”

The devil loves this line of logic. If he can convince us that God’s grace has limited funds, we’ll draw the logical conclusion. The account is empty. God has locked the door to his throne room. Pound all you want; pray all you want. No access to God.

“No access to God” unleashes a beehive of concerns. We are orphans, unprotected and exposed. Heaven, if there is such a place, has been removed from the itinerary. Vulnerable in this life and doomed in the next. The fear of disappointing God has teeth…

Nothing fosters fear like an ignorance of mercy.

May I speak candidly? If you haven’t accepted God’s forgiveness, you are doomed to fear. Nothing can deliver you from the gnawing realization that you have disregarded your Maker and disobeyed His instruction. No pill, pep talk, psychiatrist, or possession can set the sinner’s heart at ease. You may deaden the fear, but you can’t remove it. Only God’s grace can.

Have you accepted the forgiveness of Christ? If not, do so.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

Your prayer can be as simple as this:

Dear Father, I need forgiveness. I admit that I have turned away from You. Please forgive me. I place my soul in Your hands and my trust in Your grace. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Having received God’s forgiveness, live forgiven!

When Jesus sets you free, you are free indeed.

How amazing, precious Lord, is Your forgiveness. No matter how many times we fail, we will confess our sin and accept Your faithful mercy. Lord, You are always listening to our prayers, and there is no limit to Your amazing power. Your love never quits or gives up. We awaken each day to Your magnificent love, amen.

I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me. – Psalm 86:12-13

I will praise You, for You have… become my salvation. – Psalm 118:21

You, Lord, are good and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. – Psalm 86:5

Do you struggle sometimes with the fear that you’ve blown it too much for God to forgive you? Do you worry you have outworn His grace? Are you ready to live forgiven?