When children misbehave, we must correct them, otherwise they might think we approve of their actions. If someone in our family doesn’t treat a friend well, I pull them aside at an appropriate time and tell them nicely that this is not how we do it. 

Hopefully, the reminder and the way we speak to each other will help to adjust their way of communicating and make sure that they always treat others well. 

The Bible helps us time and again by telling us how we should live. One thing God’s Word speaks quite directly about is sin. If we do not live within the will of God, if we do not do as His law tells us to do, we are sinning.  

John is quite direct about this: 4All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God’s order. 

I suspect this is not new information. We know when we’re on the right path, but we also know when we’re not. The Holy Spirit promptly alerts us when we stray from the right path. Then it becomes a source of discomfort. 

Like this email I get from Coen (name has been changed): 

I accepted Jesus as my Saviour and Redeemer at a young age. Choosing Jesus was the best decision I ever made, and I continue to choose Him. 

However, since then I’ve made many unwise life choices. Now I’m here, and it feels as if all the choices I’ve made were wrong choices. Times when I thought I heard the Lord correctly today feels as if I didn’t hear correctly. 

I confessed before the Lord and asked for forgiveness, and I believe He has forgiven me and washed me clean with His precious blood. However, it remains a struggle in my heart. 

Maybe it would be good if I could also have someone to whom I could confess everything I can think of and who could pray with me … 

Coen’s wrong actions and choices trouble him, and rightly so. Because being bothered about it should stop us from taking the wrong turn again. And yes, sometimes we can find a confidant to help us get rid of the guilt. 

However, there is a next step and that is to leave that load of sin at Jesus’ feet and accept forgiveness. He came to earth precisely to bear the burden of sin on our behalf. 

I also tend to scold myself for the wrong things I’ve done. However, it slows me down and prevents me from living fully for God. 

So, let’s hear again that we should not sin and act outside of God’s will. If we’ve slipped up somewhere, we must confess it before Jesus. Then, very importantly, we must accept His forgiveness, know that He has already settled our debt, and continue living freely.  

Scripture
1 John 3:4-10 

Reflection
Where have you sinned?
Have you confessed all of it?
How can you live freely again? 

Prayer
Father, I confess all the wrong things I’ve done. I ask that you forgive me through Jesus. Holy Spirit, help me now to live a life without making wrong choices. Help me to truly live free. Amen.