We’ve all done a fair bit of repenting in our time, some more than others—yet, once this journey is undertaken, it is followed by a measure of restoration, reconciliation, and renewal.
It won’t take long to realise that, for a season, we may find ourselves struggling with a “favourite” sin—a particular weakness we’re most inclined to fall into. The enemy seems to know this vulnerability well, setting the trap over and over.
While God’s grace helps us address our sin, He also grants us the grace to resist it. But when we do miss the mark and go through the cleansing process of repentance, there’s often a lingering question in the back of our minds: “How do I know I am forgiven?” It’s the only time the enemy encourages this line of thinking, suggesting, “Good point!” Yet, as Jesus said, the answer is clear: “The accuser is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
The question of forgiveness is as old as Adam and Eve’s first sin, yet it feels as urgent as today’s deep regrets. For many Christians, there are times when the question strikes again with force: How do I know I have been forgiven—again? Beneath this question is often the fear that perhaps, this time, our sin has finally crossed a line. Maybe this time, God’s grace has reached its limit, its tipping point. If you find yourself here, you’re not alone. Even as we stumble, God’s mercy speaks a word far stronger than our sins.
Take a deep breath, count to 20 and then slowly breathe out. Let’s unpack this for you, it’s a long read but you will be in the benefit of it by the time you get to the end – don’t skim either, you’ll miss something that will benefit you.
To understand forgiveness is to realise that the God who began a good work in us will bring it through to completion, even if we stumble a thousand times along the way. But what about a thousand and one, or two, or three—or thirty, what then? Guilt can harshly remind us of failure, yet it also reminds us of our need for mercy—a mercy that is freely available. If we find ourselves genuinely longing for God’s forgiveness again, aching to know we still belong to Him despite our failings, we are right where God meets us. Peter knew this ache of the heart well when he denied Jesus not once but three times. Yet when Jesus rose, He went out of His way to forgive Peter and call him to new life: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
When we see Jesus forgiving Peter, we witness a profound revelation of God’s heart for each believer who wonders if grace can extend this far. Jesus didn’t meet Peter with cold indifference or disappointment but with overwhelming compassion, stronger than Peter’s worst mistake. Forgiveness is not a one-time transaction that slowly runs dry after repeated use. Forgiveness is bound to God’s love, which doesn’t keep count. “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Often, we’re tempted to believe that God’s patience must have limits—ours certainly does, sometimes faster than we expect. We know that people tire of us after a point, so we imagine God must be the same. Yet the Bible reveals that God’s love is different—He’s not like us. His mercy is not reticent, conditional, or reluctant. His forgiveness flows from His character, from His heart as our loving Father. He’ll never love us more than He does, which means He’ll never love us less!
The apostle John tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He is faithful because He has committed Himself to us, and just because Jesus has already paid our debt. Our forgiveness depends on His faithfulness, not our worthiness. God forgives us in a way that only God can.
Yet forgiveness doesn’t always feel real, tangible, or touchable. Guilt, shame, and regret linger, hiding in the shadows, on our shoulders, whispering that we aren’t worthy or that our repeated failings have made us unacceptable. But Scripture speaks directly to this: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). It doesn’t say “less condemnation” or “a little bit of grace”—it says no condemnation, absolutely none, not a hint of it—even if you search with a microscope.
Even when our emotions accuse us, God’s Word is steadfast, set in reinforced concrete. This doesn’t mean that we ignore the grieving of our hearts; rather, we bring that grief to the One who can carry it. The reality of forgiveness is based on God’s promise, not on our self-focused feelings.
Doubt and shame are a devastating pair of twins—they can feel overwhelming, but even they have a purpose in God’s hands. God wastes nothing in His love for us. When we bring our weaknesses, repeated sins, and brokenness, He does not turn us away or send us somewhere to crawl on our hands and knees in penitence. When we feel unsure of forgiveness, we must remind ourselves and each other that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was not a halfway measure, nearly what it takes. His death and resurrection fully satisfied the justice of God, so that each of us—despite our struggles, our thousands of struggles—can rest secure and safe in His love: “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
His mercy and forgiveness are not inconsequential. This doesn’t mean that God treats sin lightly or that our repeated falls are trivial. Grace actually empowers us to take sin seriously because we know we are deeply loved. Grace is there to meet us, change us, transform us, and empower us with a heart that wants to please Him in every way. When Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery, He didn’t merely release her from guilt; He freed her to live a new life.
It’s a forgiveness that not only cleanses but also transforms. God doesn’t forgive us so we can fall again—He forgives us so we can rise in strength. The Spirit of God dwells within us, strengthening us to overcome, even if the journey is slow and messy.
If you’re struggling to believe that God has forgiven you (yet) again, consider the heart of the Father. Jesus told a story about a father whose son had walked away, wasted everything, and brought shame to his family. Yet when this son returned, expecting rejection, the father ran to him, embraced him, and welcomed him home with joy. This story shows God’s heart toward us. He doesn’t wait in cold reserve, reluctantly, with gritted teeth, measuring out grace one last time; He runs—sprints—to us, meeting us head-on with overwhelming compassion that goes beyond our sin. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever” (Psalm 103:8-9).
When you wonder if God has forgiven you, remember that forgiveness isn’t about “deserving” another chance—you never get what you deserve. God is far more gracious than that. Forgiveness is about God’s faithfulness, not your marked, dog-eared track record. Jesus paid your debt in full, and there is no outstanding balance. If you are united with Christ, His righteousness is 100% yours, His sonship is yours. And God loves you as He loves His own Son.
When you question if you are forgiven, don’t look at your failures but at Christ’s perfection. He took your sin so you could walk in freedom with Him, even when you falter. “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).
Forgiveness is not an abstract, complicated concept but a reality to live in. There is no “Ah, yes, but…” When we doubt, let it drive us not to despair, but let’s grab it by its horns and use it to springboard into a fresh experience of His mercy. The struggle to believe in forgiveness again and again is not wasted; it draws us closer to the heart of God. It honours God when we take Him at His word and receive His forgiveness, grace, and mercy. He does not tire of forgiving, nor does He withhold Himself. So, come to Him, and find in His presence not only forgiveness but also peace and strength to walk in His light. In Jesus, you are forgiven fully, freely, and forever—again and again.
Such a remarkable, wonderful, and life-giving response from God to us will always be contested by the enemy. Expect it, but never welcome it. Let God’s love, grace, and kindness catapult you back to your feet in love, worship, friendship, and reconciliation.
Your forgiveness rests on the unbreakable foundation of the gospel. The covenant of grace cannot be broken, and you are held by the One who is faithful, even when you falter. And every time you fear that this time might be too much, remember that Christ’s love for you is deeper than your worst sin. His blood is infinitely more powerful than your deepest shame.
In Him, you are forgiven—fully, and forever, and yes, even again.
