One of the most challenging parts of being a Christian is learning forgiveness. It's hard to forgive others when we think that they have wronged us. We know that God commands it but we don't want to do it! Consequently, we often find it hard to believe that God forgives us. We think that God is like us...but He isn't. So, you and I must learn to become more like Him, and to become like Him, we must become forgivers. Today, let's consider two short passages which can help us to become more like Jesus and less like ourselves.

"I will forgive their sins and I will no longer remember their wrongs. I, the Lord, have spoken." (Jer. 34:31b)

"I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins." (Heb. 8:12, and Isa. 43:25)

Our family once had a golden retriever named Dozer. He was a joyful participant in family life, generous with his love and friendly to everyone. But if we gave him a bone, he would bury it somewhere in the yard. Then later, when he thought we weren't looking, he would dig it up and bury it somewhere else. Many of us are like that with our sins. We go to God and ask His forgiveness. But later, when the memory of that sin drifts across our minds, we repent again—and again and again. Today's passages unite to tell us something about God—He forgives us. He not only forgives us, but He erases His memory of our sins. Let's hear those verses again:  "I will no longer remember their wrongs." "I will never again remember their sins." Isn’t that great? When you repent, God doesn't hold on to your past sins and bring them up later.

He has promised to forgive and indeed He does—because God always keeps His promises! He forgives your sins and then wipes your slate completely clean...and that is very Good News!