Daily Devotional

Imagine if we had a superpower that could erase our failures, allowing us to start again in the right way. We would learn from our mistakes and do better. It would be incredible, wouldn't it? Well, I'm pleased to inform you that you already have this power and you can use it as often as you like: it's called forgiveness.

God has poured out his mercy through Christ and allowed us to rewrite our history, he has forgiven us:

“I, even I, am he who blots out
your transgressions, for my own sake,
and remembers your sins no more."
Isaiah 43:25

Forgiveness is powerful, it can end a war, restore relationships, rekindle friendships, erase traumas, and save lives. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is always the best thing to do. It is because of divine forgiveness that we are alive (Lamentations 3:22).

To forgive is not to go backward - on the contrary - to forgive is to go forward, to be perfected in love (1 John 4:17-18). Forgive, don't let the chains of sorrow and regret immobilize you.

Our forgiveness should be unrequited, and complete. It is not true forgiveness if we continue to hold a grudge. God models this in the passage: we read that God 'remembers your sins no more', it is not literal, it cannot be as God is omniscient (all-knowing), but rather it teaches us about God's willingness to forgive and not hold past sins against those who seek reconciliation.

Using Your Superpower

• To forgive is not to retreat, nor to cower. To forgive is to overcome, to move forward!
• Forgive and you too will receive forgiveness (Matthew 6:14).
• Forgiveness relieves the heart and the mind. Try it.

Pray:

Lord, we are the fruit of your forgiveness. Thank you so much for your perfect love, teach me to forgive. I want to move forward in faith and experience more of Your love. Mold my heart, in Jesus' name, amen.

“Am I only a God nearby,”
declares the Lord,
“and not a God far away?
Jeremiah 23:23

The popular saying, 'out of sight, out of mind', may explain why many people are wary of long-distance relationships. Unfortunately, many people behave in one way when they are close and another way when they are far away. The truth is that proximity to others is a determining factor in many people's behaviors and feelings.

For example, some children act badly when they are away from their parents (guardians), employees "take advantage" when their bosses are away, or spouses are unfaithful if their partner is not around. This was also the case with the Israelites in the desert when they complained to Aaron that they couldn't see God, nor Moses who was on the mountain receiving the Law from the Lord. They sinned, were unfaithful to the Lord, and built a golden calf (Ex.32) because they thought God was far away...

A Christian's life shouldn't be like that. Especially their communion with the Lord. He is the God near and far. Our relationship with Christ is based on love and trust, not on sight. Although we can't see or touch him, by faith we walk in his company, keeping the Lord in our hearts. He loved us first, so we love him too...

God is never far away, He is omnipresent and omniscient, He fills both heaven and earth. His presence is everywhere. The verse here is a reminder of the all-encompassing nature of God's existence and knowledge. The passage goes on to say that not only is he 'near and far', but that no one can hide from Him, and He is intimately involved with all aspects of creation.

Out of Sight, in my Heart

• What matters more in your life: being upright and honest (near and far) or being deceitful and unfaithful?
• Pray and recognize that God is near, even if you are far from him.
• Read the Bible and seek to obey it, doing everything for God's glory.
• Keep firm in your faith and love for God, even when you feel He is far away or silent.

Pray:

Lord, forgive me! Help me to be faithful and true to my neighbor and to you. May sincerity and truth guide my conduct, even when no one is around. You are God near and far! Help me not to turn away from you, today and always. In Jesus' name, amen!