Reflection: There can be no purity without honesty. If you are not honest about your impurities, you will never address them.
Today’s verse begins with “if”… and it’s an important “if.” If you can see past self-justification, self-righteousness, and self-delusion, and admit that you have done wrong – then you are able to appropriate God’s forgiveness.
Most people are haunted by memories of past follies that have hurt others and themselves. Sometimes, terrible evil has been committed, and this can cause people to think that their sin is unforgiveable.
The good news is that you will be forgiven. All that is needed is authentic repentance. The wonderful truth is: Jesus took on himself all our evil and died with it on the cross. He paid the price, so we could be forgiven.
The British secular humanist and novelist, Marghanita Laski, once said: ‘What I envy most about you Christians is your forgiveness. I have nobody to forgive me.’
Having access to forgiveness is wonderful. Don’t miss out on it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, It is your love alone that gives me the courage to repent and to trust you when I confess. Thank you for being who you are – and for the new beginnings you give.