Hi Mike,

I have considering this thought today and wonder if we need to go back to any person that we have sinned against and ask for forgiveness? It could prove embarassing if the person does not accept the apology and request for forgiveness. If we have asked for God’s forgiveness is that enough?

Thanks for your input.
M____

Hi M____
You asked,

I have considering this thought today and wonder if we need to go back to any person that we have sinned against and ask for forgiveness?

This is not an ‘either or’ situation. The answer is a ‘yes, yes” situation. Yes, you do need to go to any person you have sinned against and apologize and ask for forgiveness. One should not act as if he/ she has done nothing worthy of an apology when an apology is needed. It is a humbling experience which I have endured on more than one occasion, and yes, God also forgives us all our sins. We have all done things to others for which we need to ask forgiveness, so don’t worry about what a brother in Christ would think of you. As the apostle Paul said I also say I am “chief of sinners.”

1Ti 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; .

We can both take comfort in this promise from God, and the little tid- bit of truth that comes with this promise:

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man/: but God [ is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

All of our temptations and sins are “common to all men.” We each must all come to view ourselves as “chief of sinners” before we will be fit to comfort others who will also endure the same trials. That is one reason we are given trials; to be able, when the time comes, to help others who are going through what we have been through.
I hope this sets your mind at ease about whether God has forgiven you. He certainly has. But God’s forgiveness does not eliminate the need to apologize to those we have wronged:

Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

This verse is not justification for going on Oprah or facebook and telling the whole world what your sins are. The person who needs to hear a confession and an apology is ONLY the person the sin was against. The ‘friend’ who wants to coax you to tell them all the bad things you have done is not a true friend, but only trying to seek gratification at your expense. Most people are forgiving, but even if they are not, all that really matters is the fact that the Lord has forgiven you. I will close with this verse in Jas 5.

Jas 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

You are in my prayers. Keep me in yours, and we will be part of “one body.”
Your brother in Christ.

Mike >