Live in the Joy of Forgiveness

by Rick Warren — March 18, 2021
From The Seven Greatest Words of Love

“My heart rejoices in your salvation.”

Psalm 13:5 (NIV)

If you’re a follower of Jesus, joy should be a way of life.

Why? You’ve been completely forgiven. There’s no longer a reason for guilt or shame.

Sounds like a good reason for joy to me.

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

Romans 8 was originally written in Greek. The word translated “no” is the strongest possible negative in Greek. It’s as if God was saying, “No, no, no—not in a thousand years, not in a million years, not a chance in your lifetime.”

All of us make mistakes. But God doesn’t want you to live in constant self-condemnation, constantly telling yourself, “I should be better.”

So how does God want you to handle your guilt? By coming clean and confessing your wrong. Go to God and say, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” And then he’ll wipe away your sin.

That’s why Jesus Christ died on the cross! And he didn’t just die for the sins you’ve already committed. He also died for the ones you haven’t committed yet. They’re all covered under the cross.

Jesus took your condemnation. That’s why he died. Your sins have been paid for. You don’t have to pay for them again.

That’s salvation, and it’s your most important reason for joy. It’s the joy of a clear conscience.

Talk It Over

  • Confessing your sins to God helps you live with the joy of a clear conscience. What’s one step you can take to make confession a daily practice?
  • Have you embraced the truth God has completely and totally forgiven you? If so, how do you feel when you live in that truth? If not, what’s keeping you from accepting that truth?
  • Who will you tell this week about the complete and total forgiveness of God?

Receive the joy of salvation today!

The Bible says those who believe in Jesus have no reason for guilt and shame: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NIV).

If you’re ready to accept that promise and live in the joy of forgiveness, then pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, and I will no longer be condemned. Instead of judging me, you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you are God, my Savior. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Thank you that I don’t have to earn, deserve, or work for your forgiveness. It is your gift of grace.

“Today I’m turning over every part of my life to you. Instead of living in shame, I want to live in the joy of your salvation. I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I humbly commit my life to you, and I ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.