Introductory Thoughts
Most people are familiar with the phrase forgive and forget, yet likely not that familiar that its origin is the Bible. Jeremiah 31:34 refers to a condition yet to be enjoyed by the Jewish people in the kingdom established on this earth following the second coming. Some of these benefits are already enjoyed by the born-again child of God. In this verse, the Lord says that He “will forgive their iniquity, and . . . will remember their sin no more.” Notice that God said He will not only forgive but also forget. What a day that will be! True forgiveness also forgets the transgression. To claim that someone is forgiven and still remains accountable for a wrongdoing suggests that he was never actually forgiven. It is important to note that God’s forgiveness and forgetfulness is not based upon what a person deserves, but an act of God’s mercy (Hebrews 8:11-12).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Joseph's brothers cruelly treated him. When they asked for forgiveness, he was willing to forgive them and treated them kindly (Genesis 50:17, 21). Because of Josephs close relationship with God, Joseph forgave them even before they asked. Notice what Joseph named his firstborn son and what the name means (Genesis 41:51).
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(For everyone): How is forgiveness tied to forgetting? Can something truly be forgiven if it is not also forgotten? Can we truly forgive others if we will not forget the wrong that they did to us?
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If you are saved, what does the fact that God has forgiven and forgotten your sins mean to you? Can those sins ever be brought up again if God has chosen to forget them?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank the Lord that He forgives and forgets.
- Ask the Lord to help you learn to forgive and forget.
Song
ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD?
