Kind of New Christian.

[CupOfMilk]

So far since i came to God ive been researching online about the Bible and such i just picked up my Bible the other day. So heres my story. Before i came to the Lord i stole from neighbors things like christmas lights to things like garden nombs to basketballs. I still live in this neighborhood with all the people i have wronged. I stay in my house mostly. Am i forgiven for these things? Should i go up to everyone i wronged and apolgize? I dont have the money to pay them back and it would be kind of odd to go to someones door and pay them back for a christmas light bulb. Is my past forgotten? Dosent it say in the Bible leave your past at the cross? Am i ok in the Lords book?
As you can tell i did sign up for this fourm about a year ago but i am just now looking into the teachings of God. Thank you in advance for your advice.

[mcgyver]

Good Morning!

First of all, yes..if you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, then you're "OK" in God's book.

Romans 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ("Confess" here means that we confess it to God...not that we necessarily confess it to men)

Having said all that though...if you are being prodded to go to these people and tell them: "Hey, I was the one who stole your Christmas light bulbs, and I'm sorry about it"...

Then that's what you need to do...but that's between you and God.

If God wants you to do that, then rest assured that He will provide for you as you do it.

[ServantofTruth]

My advice would be continue to grow before tackling this issue. Discipline yourself to read the bible daily. Take time each day to talk to Jesus/ God as a friend. Open up privately first.

Keep this in mind as you read and pray each day. Write down any verses you think apply to it.

You are forgiven by Grace, not the balance of good to bad you do. There are many people you can love and help because our Lord loved you first. These neighbours may or may not be amoung them. SofTy.

[Dani H]

You've been forgiven of your sins against God if you've turned to Him in earnest and repented.

But God also loves it when we make restitution. Because that shows that we are serious about our new life with Him and that we are willing to really love others.

So if you have a neighbor and you broke their Christmas bulbs, maybe you can offer to cut their grass for free? Or walk their dog? You know, be a real neighbor instead of the annoying person down the street that nobody ever knows what he's up to now? If you've no money, then you can offer your services. And if they want to know why, then tell them you're doing it because God has changed your heart and you desire to be a good neighbor to them. And if you feel compelled to confess, then confess and apologize and offer to make restitution in some way.

You know, seek out ways in which to serve people. Not because you have to pay for your own sins (Jesus has already done that) but because God has set you free to love and serve others.

And if you have anything in your possession that belongs to another, then you should go return it.

[livingwaters]

You've been forgiven of your sins against God if you've turned to Him in earnest and repented.

But God also loves it when we make restitution. Because that shows that we are serious about our new life with Him and that we are willing to really love others.

So if you have a neighbor and you broke their Christmas bulbs, maybe you can offer to cut their grass for free? Or walk their dog? You know, be a real neighbor instead of the annoying person down the street that nobody ever knows what he's up to now? If you've no money, then you can offer your services. And if they want to know why, then tell them you're doing it because God has changed your heart and you desire to be a good neighbor to them. And if you feel compelled to confess, then confess and apologize and offer to make restitution in some way.

You know, seek out ways in which to serve people. Not because you have to pay for your own sins (Jesus has already done that) but because God has set you free to love and serve others.

And if you have anything in your possession that belongs to another, then you should go return it.

Yep, that's a good word, Dani!!

[CupOfMilk]

Thanks for all your advice heres more to the story. Well if i apolgized to everyone i did somthing bad to it would take years. Is it ok with God if i just drop it all and live my life? Or should i just pick who to apolgize to and who not to?

[shawn_2828]

So far since i came to God ive been researching online about the Bible and such i just picked up my Bible the other day. So heres my story. Before i came to the Lord i stole from neighbors things like christmas lights to things like garden nombs to basketballs. I still live in this neighborhood with all the people i have wronged. I stay in my house mostly. Am i forgiven for these things? Should i go up to everyone i wronged and apolgize? I dont have the money to pay them back and it would be kind of odd to go to someones door and pay them back for a christmas light bulb. Is my past forgotten? Dosent it say in the Bible leave your past at the cross? Am i ok in the Lords book?
As you can tell i did sign up for this fourm about a year ago but i am just now looking into the teachings of God. Thank you in advance for your advice.

Well, once you ask God for forgiveness and he forgives you then you are ok. If God tells you to go and apologize then, I would, but if he does not, then you are ok. I'm so glad that you found the LORD.

[Revinius]

Thanks for all your advice heres more to the story. Well if i apolgized to everyone i did somthing bad to it would take years. Is it ok with God if i just drop it all and live my life? Or should i just pick who to apolgize to and who not to?

The Spirit inside moves you to ask for forgiveness.