Sin and Love

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 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. 1 John 1:7‑9

Recently I heard Kristi McLelland say in her Jesus & Women study, “In our culture today, sin is starting to be absent from our vocabulary.” That struck a chord deep in me. When was the last time sin was in my vocabulary in my conversation with God?

In my relationships with my family, friends, and co‑workers, I try to keep a short account when any conflicts or issues arise. I like to talk things through, clear the air, settle things quickly, and say that I am sorry. For me, this keeps problems from piling up, which keeps relationships healthy and situations from exploding.

However, I realized that I have not been keeping a short account with God. I constantly ask His direction and wisdom for just about everything, but I have not been asking for his forgiveness for my daily short comings—pride, busyness, desire for productivity over people, wanting more stuff, hurriedness, talking behind people’s backs. Ugh. And the list goes on.

Thankfully the same week I heard from Kristi, I also heard a quote from Tim Keller. “We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” Thank you, Lord.

For Reflection

When is the last time you talked to God about sin?
How might you keep a short account with Him today?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for shining light on my sin and on your love. Help me to keep a short account with you by confessing today. Point out any offensive way in me. Help me set aside time to talk with you about it, receive your forgiveness, and then may I be swallowed up in your deep love for me. AMEN.