Sin, forgiveness and growing together

This morning some of my reading covered Hebrews 10. I’ve really enjoyed all the Hebrews readings, but they have presented me quite a challenge in trying to stick with my journaling format. So I’m breaking out today.

Hebrews 10:17

Then he adds:

“Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”

(The part in quotations also comes from Jeremiah 31:34.)

Observations and Application: Jesus paid the ultimate price for my sins. He has forgiven me. So if He is forgiving me, why do I still hold previous mistakes and sins against myself? I made some mistakes. I’ve hurt myself and others. But I have been forgiven. I need to move on and not let forgiven sins haunt me.

By not letting those sins go, am I saying that His forgiveness is not enough? Ouch. If I truly believe in him and trust in him, then if He says my sins are forgiven, they are forgiven. I need to embrace that and move on. I need to stop running through them in my head and let go. I hate that I have hurt people and made mistakes.

Hebrews 10:23-25

²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Observations and Application: He wants me to continue to grow in faith by working and learning in a community of believers so that I may strengthen and be strengthened through Him. Study groups and communal worship are necessary. I need to keep up with both.

Hebrews 10:26-27

²⁶If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, ²⁷but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

Observation and Application: Don’t keep on sinning deliberately. Yes, I will continue to sin. I am fallen. But to do it deliberately, knowing that He paid the price is unfair and wrong.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me that you paid the ultimate price for me. Thank you for washing away my sins:  big, medium and small, and for washing away everyone’s sins if only they ask and receive your gift of forgiveness. Although we like to judge ourselves and others, please continue to remind us that you are the only ultimate judge. Help me as I turn my sin over to you, accept your forgiveness and continue to do my best to walk in your ways. Please guide me in my study of you and worship of you. Help me to be an encourager to others and not a stumbling block. Please use me as you see fit, and help me to discern your guidance. Thank you, Lord, for that privilege, and for all you put in my life to encourage and guide me.