So many times, I am asked the question:  Does it mean that when we forgive, we also must forget?  I believe the answer to be, “yes.”

In Hebrews 8:1-13, we are reminded of the Old Testament in Jeremiah when God makes a new covenant with the people of Israel.  If you are to ever study Jeremiah, you have to feel somewhat sorry for him.  Jeremiah is a prophet who God choose to try and straighten the people out and to have them turn towards God.  They do well for a while, but then just go back to their old ways again.  Imagine God’s hurt as the people God had created just turn away from Him!  And so, in this text of Jeremiah, God foreshadows the coming of Christ – “I will put my laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people…” (v.10).  But, then it gets better…”For I will be merciful toward their iniquities (sin) and I will remember their sins no more” (v.12).  Do you see that?  “I will remember their sins no more!”  God is saying that not only will God forgive us, but also, God will FORGET!

For me, forgiving is one thing…but forgetting?  It feels impossible.  But, with God all things are possible!  If God forgets our sin, can we forget the sin of those who have sinned against us?

Let us pray…Gracious God, I just don’t know who to forget – sometimes just forgiving seems hard enough.  Help us to free ourselves by forgiving and forgetting.  Write your laws on our minds and our hearts – free us from our sin and the sin against us.  God, we love you so much.  Amen.