“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 NIV

This week, we are having Vacation Bible School at my church. The children are learning a song with American Sign Language (ASL) signs, that mentions the word, “forgive.” I remember learning this word in the past. I’ve always thought the word was very meaningful in American Sign Language.

To do the sign for the word “forgive” you must: “Hold left hand in front of you, palm upward with fingers pointing away. Hold right hand with palm facing down and brush fingers across left hand, starting at palm and moving toward fingertips. Repeat motion a few times.” (“ASL Dictionary of Religious Signs.”) The motion done reminds me of something being wiped away or erased. And, that’s exactly what God does. He wipes away (expunges) all of our sins forever.

“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”

– Acts 3:19 NLT 

“I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake,                    And I will not remember your sins.

-Isaiah 43:25 ASV 

 References:

 “ASL Dictionary of Religious Signs.” Deaf Missions:. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Aug. 2016. http://www.deafmissions.com/?PageID=18&SubpageID=27

“The Lord’s Prayer.” The Lord’s Prayer. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Aug. http://www.geocities.ws/frankcchurch/lordsprayer.html