“Sensitivity to sin confesses sin.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 28, 2025
Father, I have sinned. Luke 15:18
“Father, I have sinned,” comes from the Parable of the Prodigal Son, one of Jesus’s best-known teachings. The story describes a young man who demanded his inheritance early, implying he couldn’t wait for his father’s death, then squandered everything on wild living. When he found himself destitute, feeding pigs (a degrading job for a Jewish man), he came to his senses. The words “Father, I have sinned” mark his turning point – not casual regret but deep remorse. He rehearsed this confession while still in sin. By addressing him as “Father,” he acknowledged the relationship he still valued despite feeling unworthy. His confession recognized two dimensions: sinning against heaven (God) and against his father, showing an understanding of both spiritual and relational damage. On his way home before his confession, his father ran to embrace him, showing his genuine repentance, met with overwhelming grace. Sensitivity to sin confesses sin.
As I grow older as a follower of Jesus, I face two choices. I can become too familiar with sin, which makes me less sensitive, or I can be even more vigilant in keeping sin at bay, becoming more attuned to its relentless temptations. Paul modeled the latter lifestyle when he later in life admitted that he was “the chief of sinners.” Paul’s bold confession reflects his deep awareness of his past persecution of Christians before his Damascus Road encounter. Despite his remarkable ministry, he never forgot how he had imprisoned believers and approved of Stephen’s martyrdom. This humility came from understanding the magnitude of God’s grace—that Christ would save and use someone who had violently opposed His church. Humility is sensitive to sin.
Those who are cavalier toward sin often believe they are above bad behavior. However, an undisciplined attitude toward the influence of sin can lead to the Lord’s discipline. This lack of discipline frequently shows up in justifying small compromises: “just one look” at inappropriate content, “harmless” gossip about colleagues, or “white lies” to evade uncomfortable situations. It manifests in procrastinating repentance, thinking, “I’ll tackle this later,” while persisting in the behavior. This casual mindset may involve mindlessly consuming media that dishonors God or allowing bitter thoughts about others to fester without addressing their underlying cause.
When you adopt a disciplined approach to sin, you quickly become sensitive to its subtle beginnings. You recognize that moment of jealousy while scrolling through social media and promptly surrender it to God instead of allowing it to fester. You find yourself beginning to share that juicy piece of information about someone and pause mid-sentence, acknowledging it as gossip. You’re proactive in steering clear of temptation’s path. If you know certain late-night hours make you susceptible to destructive thoughts, you create a healthy bedtime routine. When you feel attracted to a married coworker, you set appropriate boundaries without waiting for complications to arise. You readily take responsibility when you wrong someone. Instead of justifying that harsh word to your spouse or child, you apologize specifically and seek to make amends. You recognize that sin’s consequences ripple outward, impacting not just you but also your relationships and witness, so you remain alert and responsive to the Spirit’s conviction. Your humble heart begins with fear of God and sensitivity to sin while embracing your Father’s love.
Prayer
Lord, sharpen my spiritual sensitivity to recognize sin’s subtle beginnings in my heart. Help me respond quickly to Your conviction and keep short accounts with You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Where are you flirting with sin that you must tell someone and stop?
Related Reading
Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 26:41; 1 Corinthians 10:13
Worship Resource
Hillsong Chapel: Worthy is the Lamb
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