The memory of our sins

Do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves. — Genesis 45:5

The memory of our sins can rob us of the joy of our salvation. Perhaps we have said, or heard others say, “If only I could forgive myself for what I have done!” Some people become obsessed with guilt for their past sins.

When Joseph made himself known to his brothers who had sold him into slavery, they were speechless and “dismayed in his presence” (Gen. 45:3). Guilt and fear reminded them of the pain they had caused their aged father Jacob and their brother Joseph. Sensing this, Joseph immediately reassured them: “Do not . . . be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life” (v. 5).

When we have sinned and hurt others, we may find ourselves in a position similar to that of Joseph’s brothers. But if we have confessed our sins, we can be assured that we have been forgiven. Nagging guilt and self-blame are not the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible tells us to be “renewed in the spirit of [our] mind” (Eph. 4:23). We must focus our thinking on Jesus our Savior, not on our past sins. We need to concentrate on what He has done — His atoning sacrifice on the cross for our sins — not on what we have done. Because He has forgiven our sin, we can learn to “forget” our sin.       — Dennis De Haan

Blessed be the name of Jesus!

I’m so glad He took me in;

He’s forgiven my transgressions,

He has cleansed my heart from sin.

— Harris

READ: Genesis 45:1-15

Guilt is a burden our heavenly Father never intended His children to bear.