Because we all fall short of God’s glory, we often stray from the path that Christ leads us on. We can easily get frustrated as we find ourselves getting tripped up on old habits, distractions, or seemingly harmless temptations that end up biting us on the back-side. Sometimes we wonder if it is really worth the effort at all when we seem to be getting nowhere. As frustration turns to discouragement, our confidence can also begin to decline. However, this heavy heart is not at all what God wants us to feel, and He seeks only to encourage us, help us, and guide us to live both a spiritually fruitful and joyful life. When we are focused on our failures, we stop remembering that our Father is infinitely patient, and constantly extending forgiveness. He has gone to the ends of heaven and earth, even allowing His own son to die, to ensure that we can have a connection with Him forever. Though we may become bogged down in our past mistakes, overcome with regret, or berate ourselves over our failures, our loving Father does not. If we ask for forgiveness, He freely gives it, blotting our sins out completely and remembering them no more. He does not mark it down permanently, keep score, or treat us differently because of our iniquity. He does not begrudge us our mistakes, or dole out cruel payback according to our sins. Instead, He forgives us, and does so abundantly, completely bathing us in redemption and dressing us in pure white. Because of His faithful love, He pours out compassion on His children, rewarding their respectful fear of His greatness. Looking to our Father for mercy when we stumble, we can be confident, knowing that His patience exceeds our weakness. When we feel inadequate and call out to our Lord, He will comfort us and help us boldly keep making strides in faith. Because our savior gave up everything for us, we are clothed with righteousness for eternity. We are confident because: we are forgiven.

“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:10-13

“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

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

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Isaiah 1:18