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Hello My Sisters and Brothers in Christ, 

There is a burden that many of us carry—one that lingers long after we have asked for God’s forgiveness. It’s the weight of guilt that whispers, “You are not truly forgiven.” Even when we repent, we often struggle to forgive ourselves.

But what if I told you that when God forgives you, God doesn’t see your sin anymore? That He removes it as far as the east is from the west? This is the freedom of forgiveness, and Ash Wednesday, which is tomorrow, and Lent are powerful reminders of this truth.  

Alt tag: #english forgive yourself

What is Ash Wednesday? Why Do We Celebrate Lent?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of reflection, repentance, and renewal leading up to Easter. Many Christians, including those in the United States, observe this time by fasting, praying, and giving up distractions to focus on God.  Its personal and something you can do with your family or church.

Ash Wednesday itself lasts for one day, beginning at midnight and ending at 11:59 PM on the same day. However, its significance extends into the Lenten season, which lasts for 40 days (excluding Sundays), leading up to Easter Sunday.

Details:

✅ When it Begins – Ash Wednesday starts at the beginning of the day (12:00 AM).
✅ Church Observances – Many churches hold Ash Wednesday services throughout the day, where believers receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of repentance.
✅ When it Ends – While the official observance of Ash Wednesday ends at midnight, its spiritual impact continues throughout Lent (a 40-day period of reflection, fasting, and prayer).

Lent officially ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday, which celebrates Jesus’ resurrection.

During Ash Wednesday services, believers receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads, symbolizing repentance and the reminder from Genesis 3:19 KJV

“For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

Ash Wednesday is a tradition, not a biblical command. However, it serves as a meaningful reminder of repentance, humility, and our need for God’s grace.

Romans 14:5-6 KJV – “One man esteemed one day above another: another esteemed every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”
Paul teaches that observing special days is a personal choice, as long as it is done unto the Lord.

In the U.S., different Christian traditions observe Lent in various ways:
✅ Fasting – Giving up certain foods (meat on Fridays, sweets, coffee, social media, etc.).
✅ Prayer – Dedicating extra time to Bible study and seeking God.
✅ Almsgiving – Helping those in need and serving others.

But Lent isn’t about just giving up something—it’s about gaining something deeper: a renewed connection with God.  

Alt tag: spanish forgive yourself

Bible Story: Peter’s Regret and Redemption

Few people understand the struggle to forgive themselves like Peter.

Peter was one of Jesus’ closest disciples, bold and outspoken in his faith. He declared he would never deny Jesus—but in Luke 22:54-62, fear overtook him.

Three times, Peter denied even knowing Jesus. When the rooster crowed, he realized what he had done and wept bitterly. Can you imagine his guilt and shame?

But here’s the beauty of God’s forgiveness: Peter’s story did not end in regret.

In John 21:15-17 KJV, after His resurrection, Jesus restored Peter. Instead of condemning him, Jesus asked, “Do you love Me?” three times—giving Peter a chance to reaffirm his faith.

Peter went from a man broken by failure to a bold leader in the early church. His story is proof that God’s grace restores and redeems.

If Peter could be forgiven, restored, and used mightily by God—so can you. 

 The Pain of Unforgiveness – Why We Struggle to Forgive Ourselves

Many of us are like Peter before his redemption—we have repented, but we are stuck in shame.

Maybe you have made mistakes in your past—choices you deeply regret. Maybe you think, “I know God forgives me, but I can’t forgive myself.”

The Truth:
✅ If God has removed your sin, why are you still carrying it?
✅ If Jesus’ blood washed it away, why do you still feel stained?
✅ If Peter was restored, why do you think you can’t be?

📖 1 John 1:9 KJV
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

God’s forgiveness is not partial—it is complete. Holding onto guilt only robs you of the joy of redemption. 

How Lent Can Help You Let Go of Guilt

Lent is not just a season of sacrifice—it is a season of transformation. It’s an opportunity to:

🙏 Repent & Let Go – God does not hold onto your sins, so why should you?
📖 Seek God’s Grace – The ashes remind us that life is short—don’t waste it in regret.
💡 Walk in Freedom – You are forgiven and free to live in God’s purpose.  

Real-Life Transformation: A Story of Letting Go

I once spoke with a man who had carried guilt for years over a broken relationship with his father. He had spoken harsh words in anger and never had the chance to make things right before his father passed away. Even though he had repented and asked God for forgiveness, every year during Lent, he found himself feeling unworthy of God’s grace.

One year, during an Ash Wednesday service, he heard the pastor say, “God’s mercy is greater than your past mistakes.”

At that moment, he realized something life-changing: he had been forgiven long ago, but he had never truly accepted it.

That day, he chose to let go of his shame, regret, and self-condemnation—and walked in the freedom of God’s forgiveness.

If you are carrying guilt from your past, today is the day to release it. Jesus already paid the price—all you have to do is accept His grace. 

Final Reflection

❓ As you enter this season of Lent, what guilt do you need to let go of?

📖 Psalm 103:12 KJV
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

💡 God’s forgiveness is not just for others—it’s for you. Let this Lent be the season you walk in freedom!  

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