He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12 (NLT)
Many people struggle with shame and self-condemnation because of an incomplete understanding of God’s stance on our sins.
You see, when we come to Christ, all our sins are forgiven. In fact, they’re not just forgiven, but today’s verse says they’re “removed…from us as far as the east is from the west.” When God says He’s removed our sins, then they’re not just covered up; they’re completely erased.
What does that mean? It means that your present, your future and even your past are completely altered.
Imagine you could view a video of your entire past. Now, imagine God editing out every single sin you’ve ever committed. In terms of your relationship with Him, it’s as though they never happened! Because you are in Christ, you have also received a new past, and few believers realize that!
Satan or even people from your past may remind you of old sins, but those mistakes don’t determine your identity. If you struggle with self-condemnation, ask God to give you the power to forgive yourself and see that you’re a new creation. This is how God sees you!
Don’t look at yourself as the old you; that person is dead and gone. Recognize yourself as a brand-new person in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). The more you begin to understand that your sins are not only completely forgiven but are gone, the less shame can hold power over you. Your past loses its grip on you, because in Christ, you’re a shame-free, beautiful, new creation!