Lent is a season when the Church emphasises the importance of repentance, prayer, fasting, and renewed faithfulness. Though these are actions we need daily in our lives if we are to grow deeper in our faith and relationship with God.
Though Scripture is uncompromising about the seriousness of sin, it is also uncompromising about the power of God’s mercy. We are reminded how rich God’s mercy is, which means that there is no sin too great for Him to forgive if it is acknowledged and truly repented of. If there were any sin too hard for God to forgive, it would mean that the death of Jesus Christ on the cross was useless. Notwithstanding this assurance, many people today who have genuinely repented remain burdened by guilt long after forgiveness has been given. The sin is confessed, absolution received, amendment begun — yet the heart remains heavy. Many of us today find it difficult to forgive ourselves, even after we have received forgiveness from God, leaving us in a continuous battle with guilt over sins that no longer exist before God. Lent reveals a neglected spiritual task: learning to forgive ourselves in the light of God’s word.
It is very clear in the Bible that forgiveness is God’s work, not ours. John 1:9 clearly states that, “if we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Did you notice the promise here? Forgiveness and cleansing, of course. This means that God does not just forgive us, but with His precious blood, which He shed on the cross, He cleanses us from all unrighteousness. He said all and not some. This means that once we are forgiven, whatever is called sin in our lives that has been confessed ceases to exist in the presence of God. Persistent guilt after repentance often ignores the second half of that promise in John 1:9. We believe God forgives, but we struggle to believe that He truly cleanses. We still struggle to believe that the past no longer defines us. We still prefer to listen to the enemy, whose work is to accuse and torment us with our past lives. In Revelation 12:10, Satan is given the title “the accuser of the brethren.” This describes his role in accusing believers before God day and night. He acts as an adversary who highlights sins and unworthiness to cause guilt, doubt, and fear regarding salvation. Does this tell you something?
Scripture, on several occasions, warns against living under condemnation once mercy has been given. In Romans 8:1, we are told that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is not just an emotional reassurance but a theological declaration. To still cling to guilt after forgiveness is, in effect, to live as though Christ’s sacrifice were incomplete.
In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus confronts the danger of dwelling in guilt even after forgiveness has been granted. In the parable, we see the father interrupting the son’s rehearsed self-condemnation and restoring him publicly (Luke 15:11–32). The son is forgiven even before he finishes explaining himself. Thus, when we insist on remaining in shame after forgiveness, we are refusing the robe, the ring, and the feast.
To forgive ourselves does not imply lowering moral standards but accepting God’s verdict over our own. His verdict is, “You are forgiven and cleansed.” Lent asks not only, have you repented? But also, have you believed the mercy you have received? Until we do, repentance remains unfinished. Grace has spoken its final words. The work of Lent is to live as though it is true.
Wishing you a Spirit-filled Lenten season.
