Today we will talk about the phrase “not perfect, just forgiven.” Many Christians may find themselves grappling with the weight of their imperfections and past mistakes. The good news is that through God’s grace, we can find forgiveness. It’s vital for us to understand that we don’t have to be perfect to be accepted by God; instead, we find our worth in being forgiven. As we embark on this journey through Scripture, let us be reminded of the beautiful gift of grace we have received through Jesus Christ. Together, we’ll explore what the Bible says about our imperfection and God’s unending forgiveness.
not perfect just forgiven bible verse
Embracing Our Imperfections
In our walk of faith, we often struggle with the idea of being imperfect. We may feel that our flaws and mistakes disqualify us from God’s love and grace. However, we are reminded through biblical truth that our imperfections are part of what makes us human. As we delve into these verses, let’s embrace the idea that it’s okay to not be perfect. God sees us, flaws and all, and still offers forgiveness. We don’t have to hide our mistakes; instead, we can come to Him in honesty and find grace.
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Psalms 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalms 103:12
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
Finding Grace in Forgiveness
Forgiveness can feel elusive at times, especially when we’re burdened by guilt. It’s essential for us to remember that God extends grace to us in our weakest moments. The reality is, we don’t deserve this grace, but it’s freely given to us through Jesus Christ. This theme of grace is a powerful reminder that we can be washed clean through forgiveness. God’s mercy is an incredible expression of love that invites us to live in a spirit of freedom rather than shame.
Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” – Ephesians 1:7
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” – Micah 7:18
Redemption and Restoration
As we move through our lives receiving grace, we must not forget that our journey involves redemption and restoration. God’s desire is to restore us to wholeness despite our past. In our moments of feeling unworthy, it’s vital to remember that Jesus came to save the lost and bring healing to the brokenhearted. With this understanding, we realize that God not only forgives, but He actively works within us to redeem our lives. We can rest in the assurance that we are never beyond the reach of God’s restoring love.
Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
John 3:17
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:17
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” – Isaiah 43:25
Titus 3:5
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” – Titus 3:5
Living in Freedom
When we grasp the concept of being “not perfect, just forgiven,” it liberates us to live in freedom. This includes freedom from guilt, shame, and the heavy burdens of our past. It’s essential for us to remind ourselves that our identity is not defined by our mistakes, but rather by who we are in Christ. Living in this truth allows us to walk confidently in our faith. Rather than letting our past failures hold us back, we can move forward with renewed purpose and joy, knowing we are fully loved and accepted.
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free; stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
2 Timothy 1:9
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” – 2 Timothy 1:9
Psalms 32:1-2
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.” – Psalms 32:1-2
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
God’s Unconditional Love
One of the most profound truths we can embrace is that God loves us unconditionally. Regardless of our imperfections or shortcomings, His love remains steadfast. It’s this unwavering love that compels us to seek forgiveness and strengthens our faith. Understanding the depth of this love encourages us to extend forgiveness to others, as we recognize the grace we’ve received. No matter how far we feel from God, His arms are always open wide ready to welcome us back. Together, we can experience the fullness of His love and share it with the world around us.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
1 John 4:9-10
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10
Ephesians 2:4-5
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” – Ephesians 2:4-5
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Zephaniah 3:17
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
The Power of Confession
Confession is a vital part of our relationship with God. It’s an opportunity for us to be transparent with God about our shortcomings and receive His forgiveness. When we confess, we actively acknowledge our need for His grace. This act of humility opens the door for restoration and healing in our lives. Instead of allowing guilt to linger, we can freely confess our sins, believing in the power of God’s forgiveness. This practice strengthens our relationship with God and aids us on our journey of faith as we recognize that we are “not perfect, just forgiven.”
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
Proverbs 24:16
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” – Proverbs 24:16
Matthew 26:28
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” – Matthew 26:28
Hebrews 8:12
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Hebrews 8:12
Sharing the Gift of Forgiveness
As we accept God’s forgiveness, it becomes our mission to share that grace with others. The journey of faith is not just about our individual relationship with God; it’s also about how we express that love and forgiveness to those around us. The Bible encourages us to forgive others just as we have been forgiven. When we practice forgiveness, we reflect God’s heart and show others the beauty of grace. It’s a powerful testament to live out our faith by offering the same compassion and mercy that we have received.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” – Luke 23:34
Colossians 2:13-14
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:13-14
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” – Matthew 18:21-22
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the concept of “not perfect, just forgiven,” we are reminded of the incredible grace and love God extends to us. Each Scripture we explored emphasizes that our imperfections do not define us but rather highlight the beauty of God’s redemptive work. We can rest assured in His forgiveness and mercy as we embrace our ongoing journey of faith. As we share this message of hope with others, we can live lives that resonate with grace. We are indeed unworthy yet fully loved and accepted, created for a purpose and called to share this wonderful truth with the world.
Let’s celebrate the truth that while we may not be perfect, we are indeed forgiven. This powerful truth ignites a spirit of gratitude in our hearts, inspiring us to walk confidently in our faith. As we navigate through life, let us hold dearly to the assurance that we are under God’s unwavering love—always a work in progress but never beyond redemption.
In closing, may we always remember that God sees beyond our flaws and embraces us with open arms. Let us continue to seek His forgiveness, extend grace to others, and live joyfully in the freedom we have in Christ.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4