Read 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, 1 John 1:9
I was working through my Bible study for the first time in a long while. My heart had ached for months. It was a slow ache that had been easy to ignore at first, but as the months moved on, the ache grew. I had also been walking in a fog, sort of like autopilot, but I didn’t know or care where I was wondering. I was studying in the book of Esther. In this book there was a clear villain named Haman. He was insecure and found his comfort in his status as an advisor to the King. He also loved power and had a deep grudge against the Israelites, one that had been sown over several generations. So, when an Israelite threatened his status and power, it set him on a course of desperation. He did anything to keep that which held his security in place; power and status.
When I was studying my Bible, it was easy to identify with the hero, victim, or innocent bystander of the story. But this time I had more in common with the villain than any other character. Sting and sorrow filled my heart, how could I be the bad guy? But it was undeniable, my heart was in the wrong place, and my decisions were based on wrong thoughts and truths. The realization that I had become more like a villain than like a child of God cleared the fog I had been walking in. I had a choice in this moment. I could receive this conviction by agreeing with God that I was indeed sinning and confess this sin to God, asking for forgiveness. Or, I could deny the sting, ignore what God was trying to say and puff up with pride, justifying my actions. I chose agreement and confession. Forgiveness soothed the ache in my heart and healing began. My path also became clear once again.
It’s easy to agree that sin is destructive, painful, even rank and gross. But it comes dressed in the harmless enjoyment of the moment, or the thoughts that “it’s not that big of a deal”. It’s hard to see the destruction of sin in the beginning. The Christian artist Casting Crowns even have a song called Slow Fade that articulates the deception of sin.
However, there is good news! We have the Bible to show us our sins, and if we confess our sins, we are forgiven forever!
Now, share a time when God changed your mind about a sin you had in your life. Did it lead to confession and repentance?
Truth Takeaway- Sin is deceitful and destructive. God loves you and will reveal your sin to you. God’s forgiveness brings clarity and healing.
New
Scripture Memory challenge:
Let us hide God’s word in our heart. You are challenged to memorize 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 this month.
