By: Arnie Cole and Michael Ross
Today's passage
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Reflect
-Despite my messes, Jesus, who died for my sins and has given me eternal life, won't reject me. Does this or will this change how I feel about myself or how I relate to others?
-Am I coming to God truthfully, presenting my whole self?
-Am I honest with myself about the depth and breadth of my sins?
Sometimes we hesitate to confess the full breadth of our sins, even to God Himself. Sure, we cover the minor sins, but the ones that cause us the most shame remain unspoken. These sins sit heavy on our hearts and minds as we wrestle with feelings of unworthiness and guilt. But the truth is, God wants to hear about our deepest, most private, most shameful concerns, not because He wants to punish us, or because eternal life is dependent on the purity of our souls, but because He wants to relieve us from the heavy burden of our sins. God wants nothing more than to take our burdens from us and replace with them rest, peace, and love.
Respond
Ask for Change: Lord, I offer You this burden on my heart and ask for Your forgiveness in exchange
Consider what's real: Every sin, no matter how big or small, separates us from Him. And regardless of how terrible we consider our very worst sin, God wants to take it from us, and give us peace in its place. So today, let's get real with ourselves and with God. No more deceiving ourselves and God; no more hiding our worst sins. List your sins, either on paper or in your mind, being ruthlessly honest and including even the sins that make you cringe the most. Then lay these sins before God, ask Him for forgiveness and begin to close the chasm that sin has created.
Additional verses to consider: Psalm 51:1-6, Proverbs 6:21-23
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