Living in Increase (Part 3) - Increase in PurposeSample

We Are Forgiven

The third truth to know about your identity in Christ is that you are forgiven. Scripture tells us that all of us have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, you and I have been forgiven for all our sins–past, present, and future!

Because we have been forgiven much, we are to forgive others much. Lewis Smedes once said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Unforgiveness can be a plague that takes control of our lives. Some of you may be reading this and thinking, “There is no way I can forgive ________!” However, I remind you that forgiveness is part of your identity. Because Jesus “purchased our freedom and forgave our sins” (Colossians 1:14), forgiveness is readily available to us today through our generous God!

Austin Green

Action Step: Write down the name of one person that you need to forgive. (Note: This person may be yourself. If you struggle with shame or guilt, consider forgiving yourself.) Pray and thank God for His forgiveness of your sins. Then, ask Him to help you extend that same forgiveness to that person.