Acts 10:43—”Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”
Forgiveness, we all need to receive it and to extend it. Guilt is the cause of sleepless nights and filled psycho wards. Our recent tendency to deny the concept of sin confuses the guilt issue. For modern man guilt is often generalized and vague. There is a “feeling” of guilt but nothing to specifically pin it on, having denied the existence of sin.
But relating to another the recognition of sin is tough. To say “all have sinned” is biblical truth but not specific enough to explain individual guilt. To say “you are a sinner” means little to a world who doesn’t understand the word.
I believe the answer lies in our personal testimony. Anyone can relate to a story which says, “I was eaten up with guilt until I realized it was based on my having offended God. And the good news that there was forgiveness for that offense in faith in Jesus released me from that guilt.”
We also need to be honest and confess that our failure to forgive others has produced pain, maybe in them, but surely in us. “Joe had offended me. I’m not sure he even realized it, but it was eating me up. It was keeping me up at night and making me an ineffective person. When I forgave him and released my unforgiveness, a burden was removed.”
Every one we know needs forgiveness and to forgive. They need an explanation for the feeling of guilt or the burden of unforgiveness. Such an explanation comes best for a real example from a loving friend rather than from a scowling finger pointed in blame.
Be forgiven, forgive and share the experience, then be blessed.
Nick.
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