IAMFORGIVEN – What does it mean?
What does that even mean? What am I forgiven of… and who forgave me?
I was hoping you would ask.
In 2009, I started IAMFORGIVEN because the fact that I am forgiven has been a complete game-changer for me. Forgiveness has literally saved and changed my life. And if you’re interested in how, I would love to tell you about it.
When I was 19, I had a moment when I paused in the busyness of my life, glanced back at the years I had lived until then, and realized I was completely lost and empty. It’s not that I didn’t have a nice place to live, a great job, more money than I needed, and people all around me… it was more of a deeper emptiness, despite all of these great things. And it was the hard realization of the fact that I was trying to override my wrong decisions with things that satisfied my desires and gave me temporary satisfaction. The stuff Hollywood is made of. But it left me empty and ashamed.
Looking back, there are many things I would love to change and undo… but it just doesn’t work that way. But, I did feel the pull to search for something that would help me get rid of my destructive lifestyle. Something that would set me free from addiction, heartbreak, and emptiness. And that pull lead me to hope… Hope Chapel (to be specific), a church in the middle of Hermosa Beach, California.
It was here that I heard about the One who can actually forgive me of my past and set me free for my future. A life more incredible than I could ever dream of. His name is Jesus. And he forgave me of EVERY wrong I had ever done.
In Jesus’ words, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” – Mark 2:5
IAMFORGIVEN, and 20 years later I live to tell you, that it’s been an incredible journey with Jesus. He has completely transformed my heart, my life, and my desires. Turning away from my sinful life and turning to God is the best decision I’ve ever made.
“There is no other God like you,…you forgive the sins of your people … You will trample our sins underfoot and send them to the bottom of the sea!” – Micah 7:18-19
So not only has God forgiven me, but he has also changed my heart with his love, giving me the grace to forgive anyone who has or will wrong me, no matter how big the offense is. C.S. Lewis explains it best:
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”
If you take a moment to honestly reflect on your life, maybe it’s in your past or a very current situation – we’ve all done things that we’re not proud of, or even feel ashamed of. Depending on how big or small the sin is, it leaves you feeling restless, guilty, maybe completely burdened, and helpless. Maybe you even have to live with the consequences of some of those wrong decisions, and it’s a load heavier than you can carry. Deep down, you don’t have peace, you can’t sleep, and you live your life feeling the weight of it all.
I want you to know one thing:
There is a God who knows everything you’ve done and still loves you.
HE STILL LOVES YOU. Despite it all. And because he loves you, he has a beautiful solution for you. He is waiting to give you complete FORGIVENESS of whatever it is that is plaguing you. Instead of shame, guilt, and anxiety, he is ready to make you a part of his family, clean your slate, and fill your heart and mind with peace and love, no matter your circumstances.
“So turn to God! Give up your sins, and you will be forgiven.” – Acts 3:19
IAMFORGIVEN… from everything I’ve ever done wrong
IAMFORGIVEN… and it sets me free from shame & guilt
IAMFORGIVEN… and a child of God
IAMFORGIVEN… and can finally forgive
IAMFORGIVEN… and now you fill in the blank
So my last question: are you forgiven? Join the family of Jesus followers, watch him transform you, and let the world know!
Ps. In case you’re wondering, how Jesus can forgive sins – great question. Click to find out more.
