Forgiveness — Grace for the Journey

Walking with God does not mean we never stumble. It means we don’t stay down when we do.

Proverbs 24:16 reminds us:

“The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.”

(Proverbs 24:16, NLT)

This verse is both honest and hopeful. Even the righteous — those sincerely pursuing God — may fall. There will be moments of weakness. There will be mistakes. There will be seasons where we don’t get it right.

But the defining difference is this: we get back up.

Falling Isn’t Failing

Sometimes believers carry quiet shame because they think walking with God means flawless living. But Proverbs makes it clear — even the godly may trip.

Living holy does not mean living perfectly. It means living surrendered.

When we stumble, God’s forgiveness is not withdrawn. It is available. Immediately. Consistently. Faithfully.

His grace is not fragile. It does not expire because we are still growing.

Forgiveness for Those Who Are Trying

There’s something powerful about this promise for those genuinely trying to live as children of God. When you are walking with the Lord — praying, growing, striving to obey — and you stumble, God does not disown you.

He restores you.

Forgiveness is not just for the moment of salvation. It is for the journey of sanctification. It is there when we misstep in our words, in our attitudes, in our decisions.

And every time we turn back to Him, He lifts us.

The Power to Rise Again

The beauty of Proverbs 24:16 is not in the falling — it’s in the rising.

We rise because mercy meets us.

We rise because grace covers us.

We rise because forgiveness is already prepared.

The enemy wants you to believe one fall disqualifies you. Scripture says otherwise. The righteous get up again.

Why? Because God’s forgiveness is available every time we need it.

Keep Walking

This February, remember: forgiveness is not just about your past before Christ. It’s about your walk with Christ.

If you stumble, get up.

If you misstep, return.

If you fall short, receive grace.

God’s forgiveness is not a limited supply. It is present for every believer committed to walking in holiness and growing in faith.

You are not defined by how many times you fall.

You are defined by the God who helps you rise.