I have regrets. I've done things I shouldn’t have, thought unkind thoughts, uttered unkind words. Both before and after becoming a child of Jesus Christ. Jesus knows about all of them.

Those past failures visit me occasionally—in my thoughts, late at night—bringing with them shame and guilt. I let them define me until I am reminded of the truth. Those thoughts aren’t from God. They come from Satan, the father of lies, who wants me to believe I must carry the guilt. It’s a lie, because I belong to Jesus who already paid for my sin. My failures are forgiven.
It is sometimes hard to believe, but everything I did before I met Jesus—every shameful act and thought—was known by him when He forgave me. Even though I know better now, and have the Holy Spirit to remind me of all the things Jesus taught, I’ll never be perfect in this world.

The Bible tells me not one of my shameful actions was ever hidden. When He took me as His own, it was no surprise when he received this pitiful, needy person. He knew all about me before I was born, through my years of unbelief, until the day I repented, and asked him into my life. He’d always been there. Every day of my life was recorded in his book, even before I acknowledged him. (Psalm 139:16)

My thoughts have never been hidden from Jesus. No creature is hidden from His sight. All layers of pretense are stripped away under His gaze. (Hebrews 4:13)

Even in Revelation, when Jesus warns of the coming judgement, the words are of abundant love and mercy.

Over and over again, Jesus tells His church that he knows.
To the Church at Ephesus, Jesus says, “I know your deeds, your hard work, and your perseverance. I know you have forsaken your first love. (Revelation 2)

To the church at Smyrna, He says, “I know your afflictions and your poverty… I know the slander you endure.” (Revelation 2)

To the church at Pergamum, he assures them he knows the evil surrounding them and he knows they have allowed false teaching. (Revelation 2)

To the church at Thyatira, he says, “ I know what you do and how you have grown.” (Revelation 2:19)

To the church at Sardis he said, “I know your deeds and that you have a good reputation. But that reputation is worthless and has no eternal value.” (Revelation 3)

To the church at Philadelphia, he said I know you are weak. (Revelation 3:7-25)

To the church at Laodicea, he said, “ I know you are so lukewarm, you make me sick.” (Revelation 3:14-20)

In each letter, He commended the church for their faith and rebuked them for shortcomings. And in every instance, he offered forgiveness. In every instance of failure, he offered the gift of repentance, bringing with it mercy and salvation.

Jesus knows all my deeds, too. He knows my failures. Instead of soaking in guilt, I’ll remember past sins are forgiven. I’ll keep short accounts and confess new and lingering sin, and I’ll soak in the love and forgiveness of Jesus.


Please visit me at LynneChapman.com


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