The Secret to a Clean Slate

 

Take a break.

Try to set aside all the things flying around in your head right now. I have something for you to focus on for a couple minutes.

Think of the things you've done that you know God's not happy with. The old-school term is sin. Think about that.

Think about how the things you have done or left undone are the reasons Jesus went to the cross. Think about all the things that give God every right to turn his back on you.

Seriously. Make a list if you have to.

And now...consider how the death of Jesus wipes that slate clean.

As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:12 (CSB)

Now...take another break.

Think of the things people have done that you are not happy with...how people have disappointed you, disrespected you, and even betrayed you.

Seriously. Make a list if you have to.

Is there anything on this second list that is worse than what's on the first?

Be honest.

Is there anything on the second list that would send anybody to hell faster than what's on the first?

And now...consider what your attitude should be.

I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.
Shouldn’t you also have had mercy
on your fellow servant,
as I had mercy on you?

Matthew 18:32-33 (CSB)

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Truth is...Forgiving others their wrongs against you is not only "fair play". It is absolutely necessary if you want Yahweh to forgive you. "For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses." (Matthew 6:14-15 CSB)