As followers of Jesus, we don't plan to sin. That doesn't mean we don't. Like anyone else, we get overwhelmed, overtired, angry, overconfident, or whatever, and find ourselves making bad decisions. As a result of our bad decisions, we grieve the Holy Spirit. To the world, our actions might seem insignificant, but we know that sin is sin, and there's no getting around it.
We know to confess our sin, repent of it, and ask the Lord to forgive us.
”Forgiveness is the key which unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. The forgiveness of Jesus not only takes away our sins, it makes them as if they had never been.” Corrie ten Boom
When others sin against us, are we as ready to forgive them as Jesus is to forgive us?
”Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21-22 NLT)
As Christians, we believe we've been saved by faith through grace. We're not without sin, but we're no longer in its grip.
”Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” (Romans 6:14 NLT)
Returning to God after we confess our sin restores our relationship with Him.
”But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9 NLT)
“There are men today who are in darkness and bondage because they are not willing to turn from their sins and confess them. I do not know how a man can hope to be forgiven if he is not willing to confess his sins.“ D.L. Moody
The prodigal son wasted his inheritance, and returned to his father broken. He was not only welcomed home, his father held a celebration in his son's honour.
“We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.“ (Luke 15:23-24 NLT)
“God is looking for the broken men who have judged themselves in the light of the Cross of Christ. When He wants anything done, He takes up men who have come to the end of themselves, whose confidence is not in themselves, but in God.” Harry A. Ironside
“God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.“ (Romans 5:20-21 NLT)
