Broken Past; Forgiven Future

He ran; his legs pumping faster and faster, his heart pounding about to explode. He didn't dare look back. He knew what was chasing him. If only he could run fast enough to be free from it: from his broken self, from his broken past.

He was absolutely sure that the mistakes of his past would remain with him forever and that they would never be forgiven. Who would forgive him for the things

that he had done? Who could still love him?

He had to run faster. He had to break free.

But how?

Isaiah 1:18 NIV

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as

white as snow; though they are red as crimson,

they shall be like wool.

We often feel the need to run from the things that we have done, to try to hide from them, and to pretend they don't exist. If only that were possible... but running or hiding doesn't make them go away. They remain with us until we face them and receive forgiveness.

By facing them, we may realize that they aren't as bad as we perceive them to be. What if those hurt by our transgressions are willing and waiting to forgive us? What if they love us enough to forgive if we are sincerely remorseful?

God loves us that much!

Mark 11:25 NIV

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

It may be that we are the ones who are not forgiving ourselves or forgiving others. No matter how bad our sins may be or how many have been hurt by them, God loves us enough to forgive us. Don't run or hide. Stand out in the open, confess your sins, show remorse, forgive those who have hurt you, and then ask God to forgive you.

Now...Forgive yourself.

You are worth it.

Begin your life from that point not looking back, looking forward, to a life where you strive to do better, to be better, and to always forgive. Remember we are human.

We make mistakes. We need forgiveness.