Thankful for forgiveness.

 "This is my blood of the covenant

which is poured out for many

for the forgiveness of sins."

Matthew 26:28 (NIV)

We don't like to think of ourselves as sinners,
yet, we cannot deny that we sin.
Some lie, cheat and steal,
some carouse and fornicate,
some even murder,
while others lock themselves in bulwarked fortresses
of selfishness and pride,
ungrateful, unkind.
We all sin, and we all need the forgiveness of Jesus.

He offers forgiveness, full of grace.
He paid, the only one who could,
the only one perfect and holy and able to absorb the wrath of God--
He bought our forgiveness for us,
lavishly spending what we could never begin to repay or hope to deserve.

Are we humbled by this gift,
with hearts broken
as we understand our trespasses?
Do we grasp His gracious provision for us
breathlessly,
amazed,
and enabled to pass it forward,
forgiving those who have wronged us,
extending grace because we have received it?
Do we know that, forgiven, we are free and righteous?

If we confess our sins, 

He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins 

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 (NIV)

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is His love for those who fear Him;

as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:11-12 (NIV)

What shall we say, then? 

Shall we go on sinning 

so that grace may increase? 
By no means! 

We are those who have died to sin; 

how can we live in it any longer?  

Romans 6:1-2 (NIV)

Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”  She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."

John 8:10-11 (ESV) 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

His mercies never come to an end.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

In Him we have redemption

through His blood

the forgiveness of our trespasses

according to the riches

of His grace.

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

I am thankful for forgiveness.