Living in the Joy of Forgiveness

In Psalm 13:5 I read, “My heart rejoices in your salvation.” (NIV)

As a follower of Jesus, joy should be a way of life. This is because I’ve been completely forgiven. There’s no longer a reason for guilt or shame. This should bring joy.

The Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NIV).

The book of Romans was originally written in Greek. The word “no” translated is the strongest possible negative in Greek. It’s as if God was saying, “No, no, no—not in a thousand years, not in a million years, not a chance in your lifetime.”

I make mistakes. But God doesn’t want me to live in constant self-condemnation, constantly telling myself, “I should be better.”

So how does God want me to handle my guilt? By coming clean and confessing my wrong. Go to God and say, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” And then he’ll wipe away your sin.

That’s why Jesus Christ died on the cross! And he didn’t just die for the sins I’ve already committed. He also died for the ones I haven’t committed yet. They’re all covered under the cross.

Jesus took my condemnation. That’s why he died. My sins have been paid for. I don’t have to pay for them again.

That’s salvation, and it’s my most important reason for joy. It’s the joy of a clear conscience.

In summary, my heart should rejoice in the salvation that He provides me. As a follower of Jesus, joy should be a way of life. Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Romans was originally written in Greek. The word “no” translated is the strongest possible negative in Greek. It’s as if God was saying, not a chance in your lifetime. I make mistakes. But God doesn’t want me to live in constant self-condemnation, constantly telling myself, “I should be better.” God wants me to handle my guilt by coming clean and confessing my wrong. I am to go to him and say, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” And then he’ll wipe away my sin. That’s why Jesus Christ died on the cross!  And he didn’t just die for the sins I’ve already committed. He also died for the ones I haven’t committed yet. They’re all covered under the cross. Jesus took my condemnation. My sins have been paid for. I don’t have to pay for them again. That’s salvation, and it’s my most important reason for experiencing joy. It’s the joy of a clear conscience.

Confessing my sins to God helps me live with the joy of a clear conscience. Father with the help of the Holy Spirit in my life, I want to be reminded daily of the joy that comes from the salvation you provided me through your Son Jesus Christ. I should feel great joy that I don’t have to pay for my sins. 

Lord, I need you. Please give me Your strength for today. I ask you also for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my training for a future job role and learning a small group. I pray these things through you Son Jesus’ name, amen.