Hey, carpool crew. Did you know that we can thank God every day for forgiving us because his grace never runs out? I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here today. Let me ask you something. Have you ever messed up and felt really bad about it? I'm sure you have. Everyone has. Maybe you said something you wish you could take back. Maybe you disobeyed your parents or hurt a friend's feelings, and that sinking feeling hits you, the one that whispers, I blew it. Well, here's the good news. When we mess up, God doesn't cancel us. He forgives us. That's grace, and it's one of the best reasons to be thankful every single day. It says in First John chapter one, verse nine, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The Apostle John wrote this verse to remind early believers, and us, that forgiveness is always available through Jesus. In those days, people were used to earning forgiveness through sacrifices or good deeds, but John says something revolutionary. Jesus already paid the price for your sin. We don't have to earn grace. We just have to ask for it. That's why this verse starts with, if we confess our sins. It means telling God the truth about what we've done, not to make him love us again, but to remember he already does. See, telling the truth is so important. Our parents want us to tell the truth. I'm sure if something happens at school, your teachers or your principal just want you to tell the truth. Your friends want you to tell them the truth. If Jesus were sitting beside you today, I think he'd say, you're not defined by your mistakes. I already forgave you. When you say I'm sorry and tell the truth, you confess your sins. I don't roll my eyes. I open my arms. My grace isn't something you earn. It's a gift I already gave you. See, imagine you accidentally break something that belongs to your friend, a favorite toy maybe, or a Lego set they spent hours building. You say you're sorry, but you can tell they're upset. Then they look at you and say, it's okay. I forgive you. That moment feels so good, doesn't it? The weight lifts, the friendship stays strong. That's what forgiveness feels like, and that's what God gives us every day. Except, here's the amazing part. God forgives us even when we don't deserve it. That's what makes it grace. So how can you live that out today? First, be thankful for God's forgiveness and show it by forgiving someone else. When somebody says something mean or breaks something of yours or breaks a promise to you, don't hold a grudge or try to get even. Show God's love to them by forgiving them. Also talk to God. If there's something you need to say sorry for, tell him about it. He's always listening. And if there's someone you need to go to to tell them something you did, maybe you need to go to a parent and confess something, or go to a teacher or a friend and tell the truth about something that you lied about before. It's okay. Telling the truth will always be rewarded with forgiveness. Doesn't mean there's no consequences, but forgiveness is what we're after, and God gives it. Your parents will give it. Your teachers, your friends will give it. So lastly, say thank you. Take a quiet moment today and say, thank you, God, for forgiving me even when I don't deserve it. Help me forgive others too. Forgiveness is one of the biggest gifts God gives us. It's like a reset button for our hearts. When you mess up, remember that Jesus already made a way back. All you have to do is ask. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you love today's podcast, share it with a parent friend. Send them a quick text message with a link, and maybe they will make it part of their regular routine too. Before you go, answer this question together. When's a time you messed up but you were forgiven? I'll see you tomorrow on carpooling with Jesus.
