In my Christian life, I have always found that one of the most difficult things to do is receive God's mercy.

When we sin, and we ask God for forgiveness, the Lord has promised us restoration.  Of course, we must never take this fact for granted, but have you ever found it hard to understand how Jesus can be so merciful towards us when we are not alwasy so merciful towards each other?

I recently found myself freaking out just thinking about all the times that I have been less than my best, and how many times I had let God down.  I prayed to God and asked God how he could restore me when I had been so dissapointing.  It was in this moment that I heard his voice very profoundly.  He said: "The weight of sin was broken when I gave my life on the cross.  Wouldn't it be a waste if my sacrifice did not spare you the guilt and remorce you are feeling right now?  I did this so that you could live without this burden."

It was at this moment that I realised what we are supposed to do to say thank you.  Jesus does not want us to sin, but when we do and he forgives us, he does so so that we can live in victory and fulfill the desitny which he has for us.  Therefore, give thanks to the Lord for his forgiveness, but realise that he has forgiven us the second we asked, and has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.  He has done this to save us from condemnation and to set us back on the path he has set for us.

So, shake off your sins and regrets.  Jesus has paid the price for us and has saved us!  Live as a Christian should and do not allow the enemy to accuse you, for the Lord has said: "I forgive you!"