Forgive and Forget
By Carolyn Hulliberger
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalm 103:12
For ten months, the Las Vegas Police Department recorded every transaction played out in an undercover fencing operation. Items ranging from guns to cars to counterfeit cash were filtered through the staged storefront. Hidden cameras recorded the thieves approaching the clerk about the goods they needed to unload. Stories were told of how the items were acquired…some in quiet thefts, others at terrifying gunpoint. Prices were negotiated, money and goods exchanged. Dateline NBC was allowed to film the events and document the process of how the thieves were identified, caught and prosecuted.By Carolyn Hulliberger
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalm 103:12
When the investigation came to fruition and the criminals rounded up to be taken to jail, reporter Chris Hansen was on hand. With great solemnity he approached the men and women involved, asking, “Would you like to see a video I have?” He then replayed the tapes of their crime. The offenders, when faced with their actions on the tapes, had a common reaction…shame. The bravado disappeared, replaced with quiet responses and downward countenances. There were few denials of what they had done. After all, it was recorded for anyone to see. All knew a price would be paid for their choices.
We are all like those criminals. Each day we commit crimes…lying, anger, greed, jealousy…just to name a few. The Bible calls these crimes sin and says that a price for all sin is paid eventually. Jesus came to earth to sacrifice Himself on our behalf…to pay the price for us. When we come to Him and admit our actions, He erases our sins. Romans 8:1 says: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” The Bible also says God puts our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
No more shame, no more guilt, not from God. Unlike a Dateline reporter, God doesn’t keep a replay tape ready to show us. Amazingly, God truly forgives and then forgets!
GOING DEEPER:
1. For what do you need to ask God’s forgiveness?
2. Are you hanging on to guilt over a sin that God has already forgiven?
FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:38-39
Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves as a small group leader for Wednesday p.m. Bible study, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.
