“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Your life in Christ is beautiful; do you know that? His precious blood cleansed you from sin and shame, and you have been made new. So, when past sins are brought to mind, there’s no reason to let them stay. There’s no benefit to replaying them in your mind. And there’s certainly no good that comes from feeling guilty all over again.
The Bible assures us of our security in Christ, our identity marked by His love and grace. Our mistakes don’t define us; God does. Throughout the Scriptures, we are reminded of the Savior’s forgiveness, redemption, and invitation to abide. So, here’s what to do when past sins are brought to mind.
Remember the Extent of God’s Forgiveness
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Because human forgiveness is often limited, we sometimes think God’s forgiveness is limited as well. However, because of the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed! (Lamentations 3:22) Every confession we make is like a contract between our Creator, who faithfully forgives and cleanses us from all unrighteousness, and us. And you know what? The Lord does not retract His promises.
“The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” (Psalm 145:13)
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
It was Corrie Ten Boom who said, “God takes our sins – the past, present, and future, and dumps them in the sea and puts up a sign that says NO FISHING ALLOWED.” What a helpful visual of our sin being cast into the depths of the sea, never to be fished out again! At the moment, we sincerely confess that God removes them as far as the east is from the west. He is faithful to forgive, purify, and lead us away from sin and shame.
In the article, 8 Important Things to Understand and Remember about God's Forgiveness, Meg Bucher writes, “God’s forgiveness is a gift…He is not only faithful to forgive us of the sin we see and confess, but also intentional to move our hearts to see other areas of our lives where sin is sabotaging our freedom in Christ.”
Don’t let reminders of past sins sabotage your freedom in Christ. Remember the extent of God’s forgiveness, and be encouraged by Numbers 23:19, which says, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
Remember the Blessing of Faith in Christ
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Faith isn’t based on feelings, but when past sins come to mind, they can stir up strong emotions that cause us to question our devotion to God. But remember, you are no longer living according to the flesh, but according to faith in the Son of God. Your faith, no matter how small, is powerful!
• Prayers of faith are healing. (James 5:15)
• Declarations of faith help us overcome. (1 John 5:4)
• Steps of faith give us courage. (2 Corinthians 5:6-7)
In the post, Wear Your Faith in Christ Proudly, the author writes, “We never become perfect people on this earth. Following Christ offers us comfort in that we don’t have to be.” Her words remind us that though we live imperfectly, we have faith in a perfect Savior who blesses us with a renewed mind, heart, and spirit.
The next time past sins are brought to mind, say aloud: “I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me!”
Shameful memories can’t stick around when faith is in motion. Pray, declare, and take the next faithful step. The Lord your God equips you to resist your painful past and move forward with clarity and peace.
Remember the Importance of Abiding
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:9-11 ESV)
Abiding in God’s love is key to dealing with past regrets. When you picture the kindness in the Father’s eyes as He looks at you with the greatest love ever known, there’s no room for self-condemnation. Oswald Chambers once said, “There is no condition of life in which we cannot abide in Jesus.”
God’s love erases what we think are permanent stains. His grace and mercy flow over us in purity and light. We are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and in His love, we abide.
Abide means to remain, dwell, and be continually present with. When we remain steadfast in Jesus’ love, living in it and being constantly surrounded by it, our joy will be complete. Memories of the past will grow dim and sting less.
We cannot always control what comes to mind, but we can control how we respond to the thought. As 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
The love of Christ is powerful in demolishing the arguments of past sins. His kindness snuffs out the fiery darts of the enemy before they reach us.
When past sins are brought to mind, remember the extent of God’s forgiveness - as far as the east is from the west. Remember the blessing of your faith - the newness you have in Christ Jesus. And remember the importance of abiding - remaining in the constant presence of the Savior.
A Personal Prayer to Let Go of Past Sins:
Father God, Your Word says You have removed my transgressions as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12) I trust You in this, and therefore, release all sins - past, present, and future - to You. Please thwart the plans of the evil one, and help me resist the temptation to dwell on my failures. In You, I have total victory and walk in the light of Your love. I choose to abide in You, for You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
More Resources for Your Journey:
Healing from Regret in a Broken World
Goodbye Shame and Regret; Hello Freedom and Purpose
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