“Whoever confesses and renounces sin finds mercy.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 7, 2024
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
I love the beautiful heart of Jesus and I love His Spirit, always available and working to set us free from the bondages of sin that suffocate our hearts, destroy our lives, hinder our relationships with others, bring power to the devil, and give an open door for shame.
I also love that the Lord can use trials and trouble to bring a deeper sensitivity into our spirits so we are aware of how we have allowed sin to gain access to us. This is what He has done for me, for which I am so grateful.
Until recently, there have been some ungodly attitudes I have had in my heart for quite some time that I have ignored. I ignored the promptings of the Holy Spirit to mind judgmental or critical words about others until these ungodly ways became a part of my regular behavior—and until my current trial humbled me.
When the Lord used suffering to cause me to become completely dependent on Him for healing and victory, my heart was broken—and I am so glad! My sin came into full view and I began to pay attention to what I have been thinking and feeling about others. My critical and negative thoughts showed me where I have been aligning with the devil and giving him access into my life through pride. Although I have felt grieved because I don’t want to break Jesus’ heart or hurt people, I am so very thankful for the discipline. I have asked Christ to purify my heart and I have asked Him to make me ever aware of the pride that can so easily creep in.
I want to encourage you. The Holy Spirit is always with you to guide, correct, and counsel. He is ever ready to correct us so that we get back on the right path, the path that is safe and good for us, the path that is filled with love and holiness, the path that glorifies Jesus. You don’t have to go through a difficult trial to be humbled so you’ll listen. Choose humility today. Choose to listen to the Lord today. Ask Him if there is any sin that you need to relinquish, anywhere that He is not being glorified as Lord. And, you may even ask a trusted friend or mate who loves you and has your best interest in mind if they see anything that you need to change to be more like Christ.
Charles Spurgeon said it best when he said, “Take your sins to Christ’s cross, for your old nature can only be crucified there: we are crucified with Him. The only weapon to fight sin is the spear that pierced the side of Jesus. . . Take your sin to Christ. Tell Him, ‘Lord, I have trusted you, and your name, Jesus—for you save your people from their sins! Lord, this is one of my sins. Save me from it!’”
When you confess sin and let it go, you will experience freedom and sin will be replaced by love. Love for others. Love for yourselves, and especially love for Jesus.
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
Prayer
How I praise you, Lord, that I can come to you and honestly confess my sins and you will set me free! I need not feel shame or condemnation. There is no condemnation in you! Keep me from pride. Here is one of my sins, Lord. Please save me from it. Amen!
Application
Put today’s devotional into practice.
Related Reading
Matthew 3:6; Acts 19:18; Psalm 32:5
Worship Resource
Evoilsay Tulip: We Bow Down and Confess
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