Monday, August 31, 2020

Change and Seek

“The word ‘repent’ means to change one’s mind... [and]results in a change of action…The word ‘forgive’ means...we seek...forgiveness in order for [a] relationship to be restored. It... is not granted because a person deserves [it, but as] an act of love, mercy, and grace...”  (Got Questions and AllAboutGod)

But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.

 Did you know the verbs “repent” and “forgive” do not mean the same thing? I John 1:9 (ERV) is a biblical example how these two words work perfectly together. The first two sentences of this verse deal with the aspect of repentance (in my opinion). The last two cover forgiveness. Can you see how these two thoughts are interconnected, can’t be separated from each other?

For those of you who have doubted your salvation multiple times in the past, and find yourself saying “the sinner’s prayer” everytime you do something wrong. Here’s a radical freedom statement for you. Jesus gave you spiritual freedom with His one-time sacrifice on the cross. The first time you asked for salvation (with a true repentant heart) took. Doing this action multiple times will not make you more saved than it did the first time you asked for this. What it will do is make you exhausted, frustrated, and stuck in your Christian growth.

Though Jesus’ forgiveness covers all your sins (past, present, and future), there is no need to ask for forgiveness for the regular sins. You do need to repent of them though by changing your ways to the right biblical path. God has provided many ways to do this by Bible study, prayer, friends, family, and professional counselors (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, or life coaches). Victory is within your grasp, take it now. This wonderful topic was suggested by friend, small group facilitator, and blog member, Tom Critser.

Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.What Is Forgiveness?

Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.

What Is Forgiveness?


Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.

 

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