Sending Away

Forgiveness. It’s an easy word to use. But what does it really mean to “forgive”?

Jesus used a Greek word which means “to send away.” He was telling us that forgiveness means sending the deed away from us…regardless of what has been done or said.

This helps us realize that, when God forgives, sins are wiped out and gone forever. David grasped this truth when he wrote, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).

Problems can linger menacingly if we have not asked for forgiveness. Perhaps we may not feel worthy or we may wonder if God could forgive us. But the Bible tells us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

The Bible also warns us not to “cover” our sins. Anyone who does this “will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13 NKJV).

Problems intensify when we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts. Jesus made this clear by giving forgiveness a prominent place in the Lord’s Prayer. He wanted us to know that, even if we ask God for forgiveness, our guilt remains as long as we refuse to forgive others. Forgiving others is the key to being released from our own sins and freed from guilt.

Today, ask God to search your heart. Are you trying to “cover” up any sin? Don’t try to hide from God. Confess your sins! Ask for forgiveness, be ready to forgive others, and receive His complete and total release.