Jeremiah 17 - 6.6.23

Scripture

Jeremiah 17:1

“Judah’s sin is engraved with an iron tool,
    inscribed with a flint point,
on the tablets of their hearts
    and on the horns of their altars.”

Observation

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, I am no longer condemned and there is no record of my sin! And like I have been forgiven, I must learn to forgive.

Application

Did you know that in many states, if someone commits a felony they are barred from voting for the rest of their life? I have never understood this life-long consequence that doesn’t line up with my idea of justice (appropriate punishment – with a hope of rehabilitation afterward).

Reading Jeremiah this morning, I am so thankful that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, I am no longer separated from God because of my sin. My sins are not held against me – they aren’t on my record.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Of course, this does not mean we are free to do whatever we want or that we don’t have consequences – there are always consequences for our actions. But if we ask for forgiveness, God forgives us and wipes the slate clean. We are forgiven and we can start fresh without the weight of guilt or shame. When God runs our record, it is empty!

While I have internalized this promise enough that I want to apply it to our justice system, I struggle to apply it to others in my daily life. I move on, but I can’t quite seem to forget. I find myself being like the man in the Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor (Matthew 18:21-35), begging for forgiveness and then not truly offering it to others. But God clearly directs us throughout the Bible to forgive:

Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice and for your promise that my sins are washed away. Please forgive me for my spirit of unforgiveness. I need your help to learn to love and forgive like you do. Nudge me, remind me in those times when unforgiveness is rising up in me that I have been forgiven and, with your help, I can forgive too.

- Debbie Dunn