Scripture to Read: Psalm 130:4
Some of the best news we, as followers of Christ, can share with each other and those still lost in their sin is that Christ’s blood sacrifice pays the full price for everyone’s sins. Though we know Christ’s blood cleanses and purifies us, too many Christians still live in the guilt and shame of their past. They live powerless lives because of the burden they continue to carry. God wants us to understand the fullness of His forgiveness so that we live vibrant lives for Him and willingly pursue our intimacy with Him and His Word every day. When we allow guilt and shame to cloud our hearts, the overwhelming feelings dishearten us and we think that God cannot use us. God even uses the psalmist as He led him to write in Psalm 130:4, “But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.” We need to believe God’s Truth about what we have in and through our relationship with Christ. We do have forgiveness, and God’s forgiveness opens the door for us to worship, adore, and serve Him wholeheartedly. We should be walking in awe and wonder each day, recognizing the priceless gift we’ve been given through Christ. God says it this way in Colossians 1:13–14, “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” God receives everyone who surrenders to Christ as Lord into His kingdom because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. His forgiveness is complete.
Challenge & Application
· Why do many people struggle with guilt and shame over their past?
· How can we help struggling believers see the fullness of what Christ has done?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!