Have you ever felt as if you were held captive by the mistakes and bad choices of your past— unable to shake the guilt and regret?

I have…

I’ve had days when guilt and regret washed over me like a cold, harsh ocean wave, slapping me in the face and knocking me off balance—mind swirling with memories of those I’ve hurt due to my rebellion and pride.

You see, as the years have gone by and I’ve grown in my walk with God, he’s opened my eyes to the gravity of the sin in my past life. No more blaming others or trying to justify my bad choices. Instead, I have come to feel genuine remorse over the wrongs I have committed against others. It is painful to come to that realization but, I see it as a gift.

I believe that during the process of sanctification, God humbles us and reveals to us the truth of our sinful selves. It is only then that we can truly understand the great sacrifice of our Savior and the undeserved blessing of his grace and mercy.

In gratitude for the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness, we exhibit more grace to those around us. We find that we can no longer condemn others for their failures and shortcomings. Forgiveness comes a little easier. We begin to see others through the eyes of Jesus—as imperfect human beings deeply loved by God.

We are no longer paralyzed by sadness and regret over things we have done and people we have hurt.

A healing step for me was to ask forgiveness of those I have wronged where it was possible to do so.

I am so thankful that God is a God of second chances and that when Jesus died for me, the sins of my past were nailed to the cross and remembered no more. In fact, His sacrifice covered all my sin, past, present and future.

Now sin no longer has a hold over me. I can live in freedom and joy—letting go of the guilt and regret of the past and looking forward to a beautiful and purpose-filled life with Him.

I pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you can do the same!

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1 (NIV)

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

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