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Isaiah 43:25 – I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. (KJV)
A few years back, I had an interesting, embarrassing, and annoying experience. I was coming from a church meeting one night with several ladies, and we happened to be standing by the side of the road. I was too close to the road, I must confess, pressing my phone. One of the ladies tapped me and told me to put my phone somewhere till we were off the road. I had yet to comply when the passenger of a passing bicycle slapped me right across the face. The strength of that slap, supplemented by the speed of the bicycle, brought instantaneous tears to my eyes.
I wasn't crying, but my stinging eyes were dripping with tears. At that moment, I was angry, infuriated, and embarrassed that the ladies had to see me at that moment of helplessness. I wanted to hit and curse the culprit, or just do something to repair my tattered dignity (so I thought), but I discovered that I didn't have anywhere to direct my anger because I didn't have a mental picture of the person who had slapped me. The whiteboard of my mind was blank.
How does this relate to you? In today's verse, God tells us that He would not remember our sins, not because of old age, amnesia, or tiredness, but because of His mercy. So, God tells us that once we repent, all our sins of the past are totally forgotten. If God can choose not to remember our sins, no matter how terrible, how much more should you and I forgive those who wrong us! He chooses intentionally to forget, so why can't we? We have held on to the erroneous belief that forgiveness doesn't go along with forgetting, but God has shown us how important it is to choose to forget. Just like cleaning a whiteboard, everything formerly written on it is totally cleared off. That is true forgiveness.
God also said something important in our key text: "I … am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake". This shows us that forgiving and forgetting is not just for the other party, but for our own sake. At times, the other party may not feel remorseful or repentant, but for your own mental and spiritual sake, forgive. Holding onto anger and hate will torment you, gradually destroy you, and alienate you from God.
Are you angry? Do you feel justified in your anger? Make your mind like a whiteboard, wipe off your resentment from the whiteboard, and be free from your anger and shame.
Prayer: Spirit of the living God, help me to forgive and forget. Amen.
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Amen John.
Amen! Blessings.
Thanks John, blessings.
Ah, for our own sake. How true! Thank you.
(ON)
Hello, just wanted to thank you for your devotionals.
(TX.)
Amen and amen! To God be the glory great things He has done! He has forgiven us! Blessings.
What a great analogy! Thank you! ( And I hope you heed the woman and use your cell phone safely).
Thank you John for your very positive and encouraging words today. Yes, we must let anger or resentment go, as it is of no value in our lives. Blessings for your writings.
Very timely words since I have been mentoring one who need these words of wisdom. Timely for me also to start not only forgiving but forgetting. Thank you for sharing.
Wow..
This is such an edifying piece. So relatable and inspiring. Thanks a lot for sharing. May God grant me the spirit of forgiveness.
Dear John,
Thank you for sharing this devotional! I have a hard time with hanging on to my anger and sometimes it seems to take over my life. Your devotional has helped me look at that anger and at God’s great forgiveness! Thank you!
Dear John,
Thank you for sharing your experience, for the message is true and a real blessing. I’ve often heard it said, “I can forgive, but I’ll never forget.”, and yet we know – from experience – that that isn’t so! We do need to remember what God said, and to ask for His grace to be like Him. Thank you!
(BC, Canada)
Thank you, John, for a very vivid lesson on forgiveness AND forgetting! I believe that God has forgiven me many sins, but I still remember some of them and lament once again over them. I will remember the white board from now on. Blessings on you and your ministry,
(Ontario)
Thank you, John. A much needed lesson for all of us.
Thank you for this sir. I pray for grace to forgive and forget.
Forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us – Amen.
Good morning John,
Thank you for your devotional on forgiveness. Forgiveness frees us from needless inner turmoil.
Blessings!
Thank you for your Devotional, it truly hit my heart. Too many times I dwell on past sins…..past grudges….I seem to forget the Whiteboard. Thank you so much for clearing my mind and heart of doubts and forgotten transgressions. Bless you. I am forwarding your devotional for this day to a young friend from Nigeria who is strong in his faith and often our conversations lead me closer to my God and my Savior.