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Learning How to Forget

Writer's picture: SOP AdminSOP Admin

Updated: 6 days ago

Sometimes the hardest part of moving forward is learning to forget. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13-14:


"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14

Forgetting isn’t about erasing memories—it’s about developing the strategic amnesia needed to pursue the gifts of God that lie ahead. But how do we do that? It begins by developing a healthy perspective of God’s grace.

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38
"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" - Romans 6:2
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:8-9
"For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God." - 1 John 3:20-21

So often, we ruminate on past problems, spending far too much time replaying mistakes that cannot be undone. Psalms 103:11-14 reminds us that God does not treat us as our sins deserve:


"For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." - Psalms 103:11-14

Accepting the reality that we cannot go backward to fix yesterday’s mistakes allows us to truly embrace God’s grace. Yet, sometimes we see His grace as expansive for others but limited for ourselves. Reflect on why that belief exists, and choose to trust in the fullness of His mercy.


Finally, putting all our energy into the good things God has set before us allows us to move forward. Consider Psalms 73:2-5, 12-14, 16-17:


"But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men." - Psalms 73:2-5
"Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning." - Psalms 73:12-14
"When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end." - Psalms 73:16-17

Ask yourself: What blessings or opportunities has God placed in front of you that surpass those from your past? When we focus on His promises for the future, the weight of the past begins to lift. Let’s press forward, forgetting what’s behind, and run toward the life God has called us to.


This handout is designed to help you reflect on the principles of learning how to forget and embracing God’s grace. Use it as a guide to prayerfully move past the burdens of yesterday and focus on the blessings and opportunities God has placed before you.


Download the full handout by saving the image below, or take a screenshot!


Midweek Handout
Midweek Handout

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