A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t: Part 3Sample

Living Guilt-Free 

God gives us what we need, not what we deserve. 

We deserve judgment for our sins because we are guilty of going our way instead of God’s way But Jesus took the punishment we deserve. He has removed them “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12 NLT). 

Earth has a north pole and a south pole, but there is no end from east to west. When you place your trust in Jesus, God takes your sin and wipes it out! 

King David committed adultery, and then, to cover it up, he had the woman’s husband murdered. Can you imagine the guilt he carried? 

The far-reaching effects of adultery and murder are devastating. David didn’t deserve forgiveness or mercy from God. David knew he was wrong, but he also knew that God is a merciful God. 

David prayed: “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2 NLT). 

God desires mercy over judgment. He is in the business of forgiveness; he can purify, cleanse, and restore you. 

Follow David’s example. Admit your guilt to God and ask for his mercy. He will forgive you because he is good, not because you are good enough to earn it. 

God has forgiven you, so accept his forgiveness and forgive yourself, too. 

Talk It Over

• Since God has forgiven you, do you easily forgive yourself? Talk to God about it and ask him to help you forgive yourself.


• If you are struggling with sin right now, read slowly through Psalm 51. And then meditate on each section.


• Personalize Psalm 51 into a prayer to use when you need to seek forgiveness from God.

This devotional © 2021 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.