Hi friend,
I’m not sure what prompted you to click on this resource, but I choose to believe God guided you here for a purpose. You may be checking out all the resources on this page, and that’s great! Bookmark this resource page if you’d like to revisit it.
If you’re here because your heart is heavy, I’m so glad you’re here. Your heart has carried a mistake or failure from your past for years. Others know, or maybe you’ve kept it a secret. We often keep secrets because we don’t feel safe telling the truth or are afraid of the consequences. You may believe that the memory of your mistake will fade away if you don’t say anything.
The problem is your sin doesn’t go away if you don’t deal with it. Our bodies hold the heavy weight of guilt and shame. Each time you inhale or exhale a breath, it feels like 1000 lbs of crushing weight sitting on your chest.
Have you wondered if God can forgive you? Maybe others haven’t forgiven you, so you assume God won’t either. You’re wrong. It doesn’t matter how badly you’ve messed up; you must know this truth: God forgives.
How do you begin letting go of the weight of sin and shame? Let’s turn to God’s Word to establish what you need to know – or remember.
STEP #1: Make sure you understand how God sees you.
God Loves You Unconditionally
I (God) have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love, I (God) have drawn you to myself. -Jeremiah 31:3 NLT
No power in the sky above or the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:39 NLT
Believe that God Will Forgive You
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. -1 John 1:9 NLT
STEP #2: Take a Step Toward for Forgiveness
Confess Your Sin to God
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. -Proverbs 28:13 NLT
Confession Prayer
God, I messed up. I didn’t mean to _____________________, but I did. Right now, I’m feeling __________________________ . I sinned against You, and I violated my values/conscience. I’m sorry for what I’ve done. Thank You for the promise of forgiveness. Help me to experience the gift of Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Find a Trusted Christian and Tell Your Story
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. -James 5:16 NLT
AFTER YOU PRAY…
Stop Beating Yourself Up!
What happened has happened. Yes, you wish that it didn’t. You wished that you had never responded to that text, entered that hotel room, been victimized by an abuser, or walked away when you shouldn’t have. Yes, you regret it. But beating yourself up doesn’t change the past.
When you wound yourself with negative self-talk, it weakens you. When you’re weak, the devil uses your negative self-talk foothold to plant more lies and temptation to sin again.
Here are some negative self-talk phases you should no longer be saying to yourself:
I’m so stupid.
I’m worthless.
My mom (or dad, ex-spouse) was right about me.
God can never use me.
Will you stop using those phrases as weapons against yourself? God isn’t saying these things to you, so you don’t need to tell them yourself.
Finally, Cling to God’s Promises in Scripture
Ephesians 6 reminds us that God’s Word is a sword to fight Satan’s attacks. After you confess your sin, be on guard for Satan to begin attacking your thoughts and heart. You can write out verses like Romans 8:37, James 4:7, and 2 Thessalonians 3:3 and read them when you feel shame, guilt, or temptation to question God’s forgiveness.
Let’s Pray…
God, I’m here praying on behalf of my friend. While I don’t know the circumstances, You do. Open their heart to the truth of your love and forgiveness. I pray for your willingness to be honest, confess your sin, and receive Your forgiveness. Please help my friend find one or more trusted Christians to connect with for support and prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer
Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose
As a Christian, you know you’re supposed to pray. But do you ever find yourself wrestling with any of these questions related to prayer?
- Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?
- Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?
- Am I still praying if I read pre-written prayers?
If you’ve pondered these questions or others about prayer, my Pray Like Bible Study is for you.
Even if you’re a prayer warrior, Pray Like This sharpens your prayer focus and is a great resource for you to teach others about prayer.There’s a reason why Jesus was passionate about prayer and I want to show you how!
