Forgiveness of sins is one of the greatest Gifts that God gave to mankind. We can all make mistakes as human beings. Say the wrong words, think the bad thoughts, and sometimes we knowingly or unknowingly hurt others. This results in many people carrying guilt, fear and sadness in their hearts. With God's mercy, however, anyone who truly repents is forgiven. In Acts 3:19, the Bible says, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. When I read this verse, I take comfort that God will always be willing to let me back in if I come back to Him in a sincere manner.
I have discovered that forgiveness of sin is NOT something that can be purchased or achieved through our own goodness. It is a gift from God in the love and mercy of God. Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Each time I read this scripture, I know that I am comforted, because I know that God does not want us to continue to be in bondage to our past failures. He would like us to change and live a new life.
In my life, there was a time when I became angry and displeased someone very near to me. I knew and felt at the time that I didn't want to be here anymore after the argument. My conscience was disturbing me and so it was a restless sleep. I bowed my head down and cried out to God and for forgiveness. I prayed, and I also collected the courage to apologize to the person who I hurt. In that experience I learned that forgiveness from God and the people around us is found in true forgiveness. It also taught me that pride can cause a demise of relationship, and humility can heal it.
One other thing that I learned is: If I want God to forgive me, I must forgive others. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” When others hurt us deeply, sometimes forgiveness is painful. “But I know that, holding on to hatred brings only bitterness and sadness in my heart.” Forgiving is not the same as forgetting. It means to pick up peace and to let God heal the wound, from day to day.
Finally, forgiveness of sins is a lovely way of God's expression of His love towards humanity. It provides a second chance and peace to the soul. I believe that even if one has been indulging in sin to a great extent, God can forgive if there is repentance. This is a reminder of me to look at my life every day, pray for God's mercy and to also forgive people from my heart. By forgiving I feel closer to God and more spiritually strong.