When we were born as infants, we came into this world with a clean slate. We did not arrive with bad habits and evil intents. But from the moment of birth, we were exposed to all manner of things that human beings are capable of. During the course of our development and in the process of life we made our own mistakes and sinned along the way. A problem came into the picture – we were no longer pure and innocent, but we became tainted because of what we had done and because of what had been done to us. This is what I call the ‘sin problem’.

Romans 3:23 ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’

However, as children of God, we have a birthright to forgiveness.

1 John 1:9 ‘But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (unrighteousness)’

In Christ we have access to this wonderful birthright that gives us the right to be forgiven and to know the awesome gift of His forgiveness in our lives.

Romans 6:23 ‘For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.’

Forgiveness is perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can ever receive and it is also one of the greatest gifts we can give to others. God extends forgiveness to us and He expects that we would follow His example and extend it to others.

Luke 11:4 ‘Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.’

We have this birthright of forgiveness that is available to us. Why would we give up or sell this birthright and exchange it for bitterness and hatred when we can be free to receive forgiveness and give forgiveness?

OUR BIRTHRIGHT INCLUDES KNOWING WE ARE LOVED BY GOD

Another great privilege that we can enjoy is the knowledge that as children of God we can know that He loves us. Right now, wherever you may find yourself, His love is reaching out to you. Other people may dislike, despise or even hate you, but He will never be like that towards you.

Jeremiah 31:3 ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’

John 3:16 ‘For God so loved the world (this includes you – specifically and intentionally) that He gave His one and only Son…’

Romans 8:38-39 ‘For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

Nothing can separate you from His great love for you – that is your birthright.

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