April 21, 2026
Things can happen today that remind us of past events in our lives. Those memories have the power to spark feelings of pain or regret. Even if God has long since forgiven old sins, we may feel the need to repent again. Guilt has a long memory. It is pointless to live in remorse and focus on the past. Unless we learn from experience, we tend to double back and relive our mistakes again and again. Learn from life, forgive everyone involved, and move forward. Always forward.
Be willing to surrender to God’s grace. He says if we repent, He forgives. If we return to Him, repeatedly repenting for the same behavior, He doesn’t know what we’re talking about. We are holding fast to something He no longer remembers. Sometimes the reason we don’t let go of a memory is because we’re still blaming someone else for their part in the situation. Past hurts are hard to forgive. We feel others played a bigger part or even lured us into sin. If that person has gone on to be successful and they’re living a blessed life, it seems unfair. We have no right to question God. If we choose to camp in feelings of resentment and hurt feelings, we will be stuck for a while. God’s grace is a gift. Accept it. Thank Him for it. Make every day serving God count.
Dear God, Thank You for Your grace. I have done nothing to deserve such love. Help me follow Your lead so I give grace to others. May I always recognize people rarely mean to cause pain or discomfort. Bless those who struggle with their own issues to the point they cannot see how their behavior affects others. I am sorry I failed to see my unforgiveness kept me mired in a situation You had called finished. Thank You for second chances, for love that is greater than blame, and for hearts that find soft places to dwell with You.
“The Spirit of the Lord is with me. He has anointed me to tell the Good News to the poor. He has sent me to announce forgiveness to the prisoners of sin and the restoring of sight to the blind, to forgive those who have been shattered by sin, Luke 4:18