Struggle & Triumph | Who God Says I AmSample

I Am Fully Forgiven

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

Your speed, your shots, your misses, your strength, your improvement or lack thereof: This is the highly measurable world of sport. This is where we live as athletes. And for me, this is the reason understanding God’s forgiveness of my sin is difficult. 

Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” In other other words, when we become His children, God removes our offenses further away than we could ever measure. 

This unit of measurement makes me uncomfortable. “As far as the east is from the west” -- how can we begin to understand that? If I mess up in my relationship, is that covered? What about the habit I’m trying to kick but it’s really kicking me? Or what if I lose my temper in the game for the millionth time? 

Immeasurable distance is used here as a metaphor of God’s immeasurable love and mercy. His forgiveness cannot be measured or confined or limited by our human formats. 

He has cast your mess-ups -- yes, even the yuckiest ones -- as far as the east is from the west. They are removed from you. They are not you, for you have been FULLY FORGIVEN. 

This verse is followed by a declaration that the Father shows compassion to His children. He has empathy for you when you are stuck in sin. He longs for nearness with you. But He cannot coexist with sin because sin is separation from Him. Instead of removing you, God removes your sin so you can draw near to Him.

Dear athlete, please hear this: You are not the sum of your past mistakes. You are fully forgiven. God’s love and mercy toward you is immeasurable. 

Yes, He really can forgive that thing you thought was too bad to take to Him -- the one causing shame and an upset stomach. We are indeed wayward followers, but that does not change Him as our gentle and forgiving Father. You are cherished. You are loved. You are forgiven. 

Application: Take a moment to thank God that you are totally forgiven through Jesus. Now remind yourself of that each moment that you have guilt or shame for things you have confessed and repented of.