Look upon my affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Psalm 25:18
There is something about seeing someone in pain that strangely yet actually facilitates forgiveness. When somebody offends us or hurts us there is some part of us that desires to see that person experience the same hurt and pain we went through. It is only then do we find it easier to forgive. It is from this that the concept of revenge stems from; the desire to see the one who offended you hurt, just like you were.
This principle also applied to God. In Jonah Chp. 3, we see God forgiving the people of Nineveh after they repented and afflicted themselves. Does that mean we always have to afflict ourselves and put ourselves through great pain to obtain forgiveness from God any time we wrong him? No! This was why Jesus not only died on the cross but died a painful death. He was beaten and wounded that he may obtain forgiveness on our behalf. His death not only paid the penalty for our sins but the pain he went through on our behalf allows God to freely forgive us whenever he beholds the sacrifice of Christ. So now we too can come freely to him when we sin knowing that he is ever ready to forgive us.
LIFE APPLICATIONS
You don't have to punish yourself when you transgress before you can come to God. Simply repent and return to him.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord Jesus for the pain you went through just for me.