Letting Go of Forgiven Sin, August 20
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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Written by Karen Tripp
I will not remember their sins and wrong-doings anymore (Hebrews 10:17 NLV).
Have you ever played tug of war? It’s when two teams line up on opposite ends of a giant rope. On the count of three, both teams tug at the rope, trying to pull the other team over to their side. Usually, the rope starts to burn one team’s hands so much that they let go, and the other team goes tumbling onto the ground.
Sometimes Jesus and I get into a tug of war. Along my daily walk, I pick up a giant rope. The rope is a new sin I have acquired. It doesn’t take long until I feel a tug on the rope. That’s Jesus. He begins to tug, hoping I’ll decide to let go of the giant rope. Sometimes, I’m not ready to give the sin up, so I tug back.
But Jesus is persistent. He knows this rope is keeping me from the abundant life He has planned for me, so He tugs again—harder and longer. We tug back and forth until my hands are blistered, and my face is dripping in sweat. Finally, I yell, “OK, Jesus! I’m sorry I sinned. Please forgive me.”
As soon as I ask for forgiveness, Jesus says, “Sure,” and He lets go of His end of the rope. That ol’ rope, that forgiven sin, no longer has power in my life. But I am so ashamed of this massive tug of war I had with Jesus that I don’t let go of my end of the rope. My forgiveness for this sin is complete, but the pain and the memory of my sin has me lugging this giant rope around with me—even though the rope gets heavier and heavier every day.
Then Jesus walks up to me and says, “You look terrible. What’s the matter?”
I reply, “Well, I’m still dragging this rope around, and it’s really heavy, and I even have cuts in my hands from it.”
And do you know what Jesus says? He says, “What rope?”
I wave the rope at Him, saying, “This rope right here. Remember that massive tug of war we had? I still can’t believe I got mixed up with this stupid rope to begin with. Don’t You remember?”
Jesus says, “No, I never remember forgiven sins. That’s why I let go of the rope. You should let go of it, too.”
Jesus does not want you to drag around sins He has already forgiven. In today’s verse God says, “I will not remember their sins and wrong-doings anymore.” The forgiven sin which gets stuck in your head—God remembers it no more. Cancer can bring heavy doses of fatigue and isolation, leaving your mind to rehash dark thoughts—including your past mistakes, hurtful comments, or harsh attitudes. These are things you have already asked and received forgiveness for, things that the evil one would love for you to lug around with you—thus pulling you from God.
There’s no reason for you to carry this burden. Let go of the rope, dear friend. If Jesus can let go of your forgiven sin, you can, too.
Pray: Dear Savior, I know it was Your love for me that took You to the cross to pay for my sin—and that because of that love, You will not remember it anymore. When I struggle to let go of forgiven sins, help me by Your Spirit to release my grip on the pain and shame, and to live in the freedom You have won for me. Amen.
Your Turn: Is there a specific forgiven sin, like a past mistake, hurtful comment, or harsh attitude, that keeps replaying in your mind? Try this: on a piece of paper, draw a big, snaky rope. Write on it a description of that thing. Take a moment to hand it over to God in prayer, and ask Him to help you leave it with Him. Then, crumble up that paper and throw it away.
Karen Tripp, MS, LMFT, Cancer Caregiver
Karen is the Executive Director of Cancer Companions, the premiere national Christian cancer ministry (https://www.cancercompanion.org). Her roles have included authoring several Christian books including God is Bigger Than Your Cancer and working as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is a daughter of a colon cancer survivor. Karen uses her experience to teach how to step into another person’s struggle to help build their faith while strengthening your own.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
