At The Movies | Thursday
Thursday | July 16
This Week's Focus:
Our culture often tells us, "Your past defines you." But in Christ, we are forgiven and released from our past, so we can be set free to experience real, hopeful joy grounded in the present and looking to the future.
Our culture often tells us, "Your past defines you." But in Christ, we are forgiven and released from our past, so we can be set free to experience real, hopeful joy grounded in the present and looking to the future.
Scripture
Scripture Helps Us Hear God And Live His Truth.
"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."
1 John 1:9 NLT
1 John 1:9 NLT
Guilt
Before the Lord, each of us is guilty. We have all done something that goes against what God has commanded of us and that grieves Him. God, being righteous and holy, would be fully justified in condemning all of humanity to separation from Him. Yet He willingly chooses to forge a path toward redemption and restoration.
Through Jesus, our guilt is removed. We are justified. Each time we confess our sin, because of Jesus' sacrifice, God is faithful and forgives us. We are made right again. There is an ongoing work the Spirit is doing in us to cleanse us fully from all wickedness, but there is an immediate justification done through Christ that removes our guilt. (Romans 4:25)
Thinking about our journey thus far, the struggle with guilt and forgiveness can be twofold. First, you might have difficulty extending grace to guilty parties who have wronged you or those you love. Perhaps the greatest challenge before you is to forgive yourself as you wrestle with the crushing emotions of guilt. This is why we return over and over again to the foundation of God's redeeming love, mercy, and grace. Grasping this reality helps us to see the guilt of others and ourselves more clearly:
The debt of our sin has been canceled (Colossians 2:14).
Jesus satisfied the righteous wrath of God on the cross (1 John 4:10).
We have been redeemed from the curse (Galatians 3:14).
Through Jesus, our guilt is removed. We are justified. Each time we confess our sin, because of Jesus' sacrifice, God is faithful and forgives us. We are made right again. There is an ongoing work the Spirit is doing in us to cleanse us fully from all wickedness, but there is an immediate justification done through Christ that removes our guilt. (Romans 4:25)
Thinking about our journey thus far, the struggle with guilt and forgiveness can be twofold. First, you might have difficulty extending grace to guilty parties who have wronged you or those you love. Perhaps the greatest challenge before you is to forgive yourself as you wrestle with the crushing emotions of guilt. This is why we return over and over again to the foundation of God's redeeming love, mercy, and grace. Grasping this reality helps us to see the guilt of others and ourselves more clearly:
The debt of our sin has been canceled (Colossians 2:14).
Jesus satisfied the righteous wrath of God on the cross (1 John 4:10).
We have been redeemed from the curse (Galatians 3:14).
Reflection
Reflection Helps Us Pause, Listen, And Let God Speak To Our Hearts.
- Is there something I need to confess to God and/or others and ask forgiveness for?
- Is there someone I am withholding forgiveness from, keeping them guilty in my heart?
- Am I allowing my own feelings of guilt to rob me of hope and joy?
Weekly Memory Verse
Read It Once A Day. Let It Shape How You Think And Pray This Week.
"Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."
Proverbs 17:9 NLT
Proverbs 17:9 NLT
Prayer
Through Prayer, We Talk To God And Listen For His Guidance.
Lord, thank you for saving me and justifying me. Help me to show others the same type of grace and mercy you have shown me. I praise you for all you have done, are doing, and will do! Amen.
Come Back Tomorrow
Join us tomorrow as we look to understand the lingering weight of shame.