God watches over us all, but pays particular attention to the weak and the helpless. When Christ returns to rule and reign on earth in the last days, we will be held accountable for how we have treated the humble. Best to approach the Judge now, to confess any offenses or abuses we have made, and to make amends as best as we are able.
2 “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.
5 “At that time I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against all sorcerers and adulterers and liars. I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive the foreigners living among you of justice, for these people do not fear me,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Malachi 3:2,5 (NLT)
Scripture tells us that we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But it also tells us that, if we confess our sins, by the grace offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (See 1 John 1:9)
Our human nature is a stumbling block that often gets in the way of righteous living. It is quick to return to its old ways and selfish behaviors, often flashing negative emotions when we get angry, envious, or upset.
Even the act of humbly admitting and confessing our sins can be difficult for us to do. My friend, Wendy, recently listed four things we tend to do when confronted in our conscience by the Holy Spirit about a wrong we have committed:
- Deny it. “I did not do it.”
- Make excuses. “I was not aware of what I was doing.”
- Minimize it. “Oh, it was not that big of a deal.”
- Blame someone else. “If they had not done that, I would not have done this.”
Does any of this sound familiar? Unfortunately, it does to me.
God knows very well that we are not perfect. That is why Jesus came. But He does expect us to admit to ourselves, to Him, and others when we are wrong, and to seek to make things right.
In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul highlights some of the areas we believers struggle the most with:
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:1-10 (NIV)
These temptations are common to all people, but the Holy Spirit is working in the hearts of believers to clean us up. It is a journey of progress, not perfection.
All sin is subject to God’s judgment. But in Christ, we live in an era of grace where we can go to the Judge, confess our sins, and be completely forgiven. As Jesus put it in a parable, we are free to approach God to sponge away our record of wrongs, best done now, before being confronted by Him at the final judgment.
25 “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:25-26 (NLT)
As we have now been generously forgiven, the Lord expects us to extend the same courtesy of forgiveness to others who have harmed or offended us. This can be very difficult to do, but it is important to try, seeking His help.
Jesus has given us a gracious opportunity to settle all of our offenses “out of court”. This allows us to one day enter into His presence, righteous, unashamed, and fully redeemed for eternity by the blood of Christ.
Reflection
Which of the sins that Paul lists gives you the most trouble? I have mine.
Father, we come to You confessing our sin today, specifically the items Your Spirit has placed on our hearts and minds. We come to the cross of Christ seeming complete forgiveness. Help us to make things right with those around us, making amends where we have done wrong and forgiving others for whatever they have done to us. We ask this in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Have a blessed and beautiful day in the Lord today.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 