The Vitality of Forgiveness

Physical, emotional, and spiritual health can only come when forgiveness is sought for and acquired from the Lord.

King David, who was well acquainted with sin’s consequences, said that it was when he tried to hide his sin is when he experienced all sorts of maladies.

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” (Psalm 32:3-4)

“Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11)

David understood that when he tried to hide his sins from God that his health deteriorated as a result. But when He confessed his sins to God, then everything turned around.

“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit … I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’– and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:1-2, 5)

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin … Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice … Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:1-2, 7-8, 10)

Much of our health depends upon seeking and receiving God’s forgiveness, and when we ask God for forgiveness we can be assured that He will forgive.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)