Biblical Answer

The question of whether God can really forgive us for our past is a complex one, but the Bible provides a clear answer. According to 1 John 1:7, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." This means that no matter what we have done, God will forgive us. However, forgiveness is not just a general concept, but a personal and specific one. We must pinpoint what was taken from us and complete the cycle of forgiveness, which involves reconciling with others and taking responsibility for our past. This can be a difficult process, but it is necessary for true healing and freedom.

One of the biggest obstacles to forgiveness is our own guilt and shame. We may feel like we are not worthy of forgiveness, or that we have done something so bad that God cannot forgive us. However, this is not the case. God's forgiveness is not based on our worthiness, but on His own character and justice. As John Stott writes, "We may forgive the injuries which others do to us; but the sins we commit against God only God himself can forgive." (Stott, BC, 29) This means that we do not have to earn our forgiveness, but rather receive it as a gift from God.

Forgiveness is not just about God forgiving us, but also about us forgiving ourselves and others. This can be a difficult process, but it is necessary for true healing and freedom. As Jesus said, "If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14) This means that forgiveness is a two-way street, and that we must be willing to forgive others in order to receive forgiveness from God. By completing the cycle of forgiveness and taking responsibility for our past, we can experience true healing and freedom, and live as God's children among our relatives and friends.