In Jesus we have the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1, 7).

The word "forgive" means to erase everything,

to wipe the slate clean,

to give grace,

to cancel a debt.

Forgiveness is not granted because a guilty person deserves to be forgiven.

Forgiveness is a decision not to hold a grudge against someone,

despite what they have done.

No one deserves to be forgiven.

Forgiveness is an act of love,

mercy and grace.

The Bible tells us that we all need God's forgiveness.

We have all committed sins (1 John 1, 8).

Every sin is essentially an act of rebellion against God and ruins my relationship with him.

And only his forgiveness can restore that relationship.

God's forgiveness cannot be earned through good works.

You can't buy God's forgiveness.

You can only receive it,

by faith,

because of God's grace and mercy.

All you have to do is ask God to forgive you through Jesus,

believing that Jesus died,

to offer you this forgiveness - and God will forgive you.

God's forgiveness is total.

Once granted,

the sin that broke my relationship with God no longer exists before him.

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there are any sins in your life.

If you find any,

ask God's forgiveness in Jesus.

Thank God for his forgiveness.

If you're still troubled by an old sin for which you've already asked forgiveness,

ask God to remove it from your mind.

Read 1 John chapter 1, 8 to chapter 2, 2.

Try to express in your own words what the apostle John is saying here about the forgiveness of our sins.

Be careful not to abuse God's forgiveness.

Don't say "It's all right,

God will forgive me".

This attitude shows that you're mocking God,

and God hates that.

Visit those who have fallen into sin and are overwhelmed by what has happened.

Encourage them with God's promises,

support them in prayer.