Forgetting the Past

Dogs are notorious for having a 5 minute memory. This has got to be the reason they are known as "man's best friend", and love us so unconditionally. They just can't remember all the mistakes we've made as dog owners!

In past posts, I've talked about how much Gimli does not like having his beard brushed. After we're done with the unpleasant task, he runs to his crate to hide and pout because he's mad. But without fail, a few minutes later, he comes out of his crate and snuggles up to us. He's over it and he doesn't hold a grudge.

I absolutely love this quality about dogs! How freeing it is to know that my sweet pups will always forgive me when I make a mistake! This is how God is with our sin. He doesn't remember it once it is forgiven. This isn't because He has a 5 minute memory like dogs, but because He chooses not to because the sin has been paid for by Jesus. When He forgives us, it is complete forgiveness. Often when I "forgive" people, bitterness or anger can still creep up when I think back on the offense. God doesn't do this about our sin at all. I have spent so much time fretting over my own past sin, just feeling ill about it, and the truth is that I'm the only one worrying about it because God forgave it long ago. The enemy will use this to make me fearful to approach God and seek Him out, but this is a lie. I have nothing to be afraid of. He isn't holding past sins against me. They are as far as the east is from the west- never to be seen again.

What an absolutely marvelous truth! The way dogs illustrate total forgiveness makes them so comforting to be around. God's forgiveness is even more perfect, so we should run to Him with our concerns and needs, knowing that once we have received His gift of total forgiveness of sin through Jesus, He will never meet us with anything but love and acceptance.