Have you ever felt guilty about something you’ve done? Like when you knew it was wrong to lie to your parents—but you did anyway? You’ve apologized to your parents. And asked God to forgive you. But you still feel terrible about it.
Anyone else raising their hand?
I’ve definitely done that. Especially when I was a teenager. I wanted to follow God. Really, I did. But then temptation would come—and all my good resolutions would disappear. I might enjoy the moment, but my conscience wouldn’t stay quiet (praise God). I’d feel bad about what I’d done, especially because I usually knew better. I didn’t think God would want to forgive me right away, so I would be miserable all day. By evening, I’d ask God to forgive me. But I didn’t feel any different.
Was I really forgiven? I didn’t know. And honestly, I still felt guilty.
Here’s the good news: God has shown me that I don’t have to wonder if I’m forgiven. Let me share with you what I’ve learned.
“Your Sins Are Forgiven”
Do you remember the story of the paralytic whom the four friends let down through the roof of Peter’s house? (You can read the full story in Mark 2:1–12.)
The man’s hope was gone. Thankfully, he had some great friends who took him to Jesus. They hauled him through town, broke open Peter’s roof, and let the man down right in front of Jesus.
Jesus’ first words to the poor man were: “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5). Can you imagine how wonderful it would have been to hear Jesus say that to you directly? I’m guessing that if Jesus were standing beside you and said, “You are forgiven,” you’d accept it and believe that you really were forgiven, right?
Here’s what God has helped me see: Forgiveness doesn’t depend on how I feel. It depends on what Jesus did for me (and you) at the cross. The Bible says that “in Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
The Bible is full of promises about forgiveness. Here are a few:
- “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the LORD, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool’” (Isaiah 1:18).
- “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).
- “I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 44:22).
Jesus is offering you forgiveness just like He did for the paralytic. The only question is: Will you believe Him and accept His gift? If you are willing to confess and forsake your sin, then you can know you are forgiven—whether you feel it or not.
Remember this: Your feelings will change, but God’s promises don’t.
How to Receive Forgiveness
So how do you actually receive God’s forgiveness? The Bible doesn’t leave us guessing.
First, confess your sin—stop hiding and honestly tell God what you’ve done. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9).
Then, confession leads to repentance—a real decision to turn around and go a different direction (Acts 3:19). That means being willing to let go of the sin (Proverbs 28:13, emphasis added). Thankfully, God doesn’t ask us to overcome alone. He will give us His power for victory over sin as we trust in Jesus.
And there’s one more heart check: If we want God’s forgiveness, we need to be willing to forgive others too (Mark 11:25). Not because we’ve earned forgiveness, but because we’re choosing to give others the same grace God has given us.
No Need to Wonder
Think about what you’d expect of your best friend if they gossiped about you: You would want them to admit they were wrong and stop gossiping. Then, when you told them that you forgave them, you’d want them to accept that you actually mean it. And you’d want them to go forgive other people who have hurt them, just like you forgave them.
But God does more for you than you could ever do for your bestie. God only asks you to confess your sin and be willing to change through Jesus’ help. He doesn’t ask you to make yourself perfect before you come to Him for forgiveness. Not at all! He just wants you to accept His gift and take Him at His word.
Trust Him. Trust that He is on your side, that He loves you, and that He forgives you. He will give you the power to turn away from your sin and actually change.
Are you forgiven? If you’ve confessed your sin and chosen to turn from it through God’s power—you are forgiven (even if you don’t feel it). God always keeps His word!
Apply It
Is there something that has been bothering you that you need to confess? Then run—don’t walk—to Jesus and tell Him all about it. Ask Him for forgiveness and strength to make better choices next time. Don’t feel better? Open your Bible to 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Put your finger on the text, tell God that you believe Him, and thank Him for forgiving you. Then, whenever the devil tries to shame you again, tell him that you believe God’s promise and you are forgiven!
And if you fall again, don’t despair. Read this article: “What if I Fail?”