July 16, 2023

 

Are You Willing?

 

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

 

I was reading a devotional the other day about those who refuse to confess their sins. You know them. They refuse to take responsibility for their actions. They are forever pointing fingers and blaming others for their decisions. They don’t change because they don’t see the need to do so.

 

It really hit home with me because I love someone who is doing just this. He has destroyed his family and, likely, will eventually destroy himself because he won’t admit that he did something wrong.

 

We tend to think of people like this as drug addicts or thieves but that’s not always the case. Sometimes it’s someone who commits adultery. It might be someone who can’t manage money and bankrupts themselves and their family. It could be someone who always lies just because they can.

 

It can also be someone who is abusive. How often do abusers blame their victims? How many times do rapists say it wasn’t their fault?

 

Jesus offers us a lifeline. He beckons us forward to confess our sins. He promises to forgive us and help us to be different, to do different, if we will only draw near to our Savior. It might be the hardest thing we ever do. It will also be the best thing we could ever do.

 

In my loved one’s case, he’s still pointing fingers and blaming others. He’s angry and lashes out at those around him. He wants to be “happy” but he’s the unhappiest he’s ever been. No one can reach him. Jesus waits but for now He’s on the sidelines.

 

Do you know anyone like that? Maybe you are that person? Does anger consume you? Is everything bad that happens always someone else’s fault? Are you putting yourself before everyone you claim to love?

 

Jesus waits. He’s ready to help you. But first you have to confess your sins. You must accept responsibility. You have to lay down your pride and admit you don’t have all the answers. Jesus has the answers. He alone can free you and heal you. Are you willing to let Him?

January 15, 2016

We Are All Sinners

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. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. -- 1 John 1:8-10

The hardest part of forgiveness for me is forgiving people who refuse to admit their sin. I know. I’m a sinner too. I’m not claiming otherwise. But it is just so hard to forgive when others remain on their pedestals refusing to acknowledge the destruction they caused.

I am so grateful for what Jesus did for me. I am so aware that I am cleansed because of His blood. I don’t deserve it. I will never deserve it. And it is His desire that everyone come to know Him and receive the same grace and mercy. I want that too -- even for those who want to destroy me.

I also know that while my job is to forgive, God promises that vengeance belongs to Him. I am His child. I need to cleanse my own heart and get out of His way. I’m trying. It’s a daily struggle. I just have so much anger inside. Every time I think it’s finally gone, here it comes again. And that is sin.

The Bible tells us that our war is a spiritual war and we should put on our armor. I do that. I pray. I read and study His word. But the battle some days seems relentless and I am weary.

The truth is I want it all to go away and it isn’t going to without God’s direct intervention. I’m not in charge of anyone but myself. I can’t fix this. I can’t make other people admit that what they did was wrong. I can’t make them feel remorse.

My responsibility is for my own sin and God knows there’s been plenty of that in my lifetime. And there will be plenty more to come. I am far from perfect. But I try. I have heart to heart talks with God and tell Him what I’ve done wrong. And I ask for forgiveness. Because I am His.

I’ll keep trying to let things go and forgive those who seek to harm me. And I’ll remember that God is faithful and loving toward those who love Him. What He does with this mess, well, that’s up to Him. I’ve given it to Him and I know He’ll sort it all out and turn it to good. I trust Him. I really, really do.