How can I deal with past mistakes?

Let's face it. We all mess up. We all do things we shouldn't. Tell lies. Steal office supplies. Say things we're sorry about later. Spread bad rumours. Swear at other drivers. And we all carry attitudes. We think we're better than others and often care only for ourselves

All of these wrong actions, harsh words and bad attitudes are what the Bible labels as sin. Now that's not a pleasant word to hear nowadays. We'd all like to think we're pretty good people. Yet we so often find ourselves acting selfishly-that's really what sin is. Going our own way. Doing our own thing. No matter how good we think we are, our sin stands between us and God. All people fall short of his perfect standard (Romans 3:23) and this keeps us from personally knowing God's love. The great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi said, "It is constant torture to me that I am still so far from God whom I know to be my very life and being. I know it is my own wretchedness and wickedness that keeps me from him."

There is good news though. Jesus has taken care of our sins. His death on the cross some 2,000 years ago paid for the penalty of our sin, just so we could have a right relationship with God and experience his love. Because of Jesus, we can be forgiven of all our shortcomings, our mistakes, our sins. God alone can pardon us, and fulfill God's justice.
Think of it this way. A young woman is given a speeding ticket and goes before a judge. After the charge is read, he gives the sentence. A £150 fine. But the woman is unable to pay. Then the judge, in an unusual move, comes down from the bench, opens his wallet and offers to pay the fine. It's up to the woman to accept or reject the generous offer. The story illustrates what Jesus has done for us. He knows our sin, yet when we stand humbly before him, he is willing to forgive our debt completely. Jesus offers us his free gift of grace. We just need to turn away from selfishness, toward Jesus, and receive his forgiveness.

Next Steps:
	Experience the Power to Change for yourself!
	Decide. Was Jesus a Liar, A Lunatic, or God?
	Get further help
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