Day 19 – Living Boldly: “Will God Forgive Me?”

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Today’s topic touches on a question many struggle with: “Will God forgive me?” Thinking that the good Lord will not forgive us typically comes from an inward-focused, insecure person who needs a gospel recalibration: Who the Son has set free is free indeed (John 8:36). The gospel liberates us from all of our past sins, no matter how hideous or overwhelming they seem. Jesus has already completed the work of forgiveness—you don’t have to live under the weight of guilt any longer.

Rick’s 31-Day Devotions

• 31-Day Marriage Devotion
• 31-Day Parenting Devotion
• 31-Day Young Adult Devotion

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

The Freedom of the Gospel

Some sins seem so massive that they overshadow the truth of the gospel. When your failures seem too great, it’s easy to believe that forgiveness is out of reach or that you need something in addition to the gospel. But Jesus’ words on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), mean exactly what they say. There is no sin so significant that it falls outside of God’s power to forgive.

You don’t need to earn God’s favor or find another way to pay for your mistakes. The work is done, and the Lord’s forgiveness is complete. Will you rest in the completed work of Christ?

The Challenge of Honesty

One of the hardest steps in experiencing forgiveness is being honest about our sins. Admitting where we’ve gone wrong can feel vulnerable and painful, but this kind of transparency is essential. Without honesty, we risk slipping into self-deception, where we deny our sins or downplay our need for grace.

I’ve learned through personal experience that hiding sin only leads to deeper guilt and isolation. Recovery begins when we face the truth about ourselves, trusting God’s grace to bring restoration.

Four Steps to Freedom

If you’re struggling with past sin, here are four steps to help you move forward:

1. Pray: Be honest with God about your sin. He already knows, but telling Him shows your humility and willingness to change.
2. Confess: Ask God for forgiveness, trusting in His promise to cleanse you from all unrighteousness 
(1 John 1:9).
3. Resist: Take your thoughts captive, wrestling with the gospel until its power makes you free indeed.
4. Confide: Share your struggle with a friend or mentor. A biblical community provides encouragement, support, and accountability as you walk through this process.

Time to Reflect

1. What part of this devotion feels the hardest? Is it admitting your sin, believing in God’s forgiveness, taking your thoughts captive, or talking to someone about it? Why is that step difficult for you?
2. Do you have a sin hanging over you like a dark cloud? If so, make a plan to pray, confess, resist, and confide. Don’t wait—God’s forgiveness is available today.
3. Take time to reflect on God’s mercy. Pray for courage to face your sin honestly and faith to trust in the completeness of Jesus’ work on the cross. You don’t have to carry guilt any longer—God’s forgiveness is real, and His grace is sufficient.

Let’s live boldly, living in the freedom and joy that come from a forgiven life.

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).