WHEN WE REFUSE TO CONFESS OUR SIN
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude
Psalms 32:3-5 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
There is a direct connection between the condition of my soul, spirit, and body. Psychologists tell us that holding in guilt causes not only emotional problems but physical problems in our lives.
I read years ago an interview with one doctor who claimed that 80% of his patients in the hospital with physical issues could walk out of the hospital if they could practice forgiveness. This forgiveness is sometimes to us for things we have done and sometimes to others who have done things to us.
When we hold on to unforgiveness we develop guilt, low self-image, bitterness, anger, and revenge just to name a few of the unhealthy emotions that come with a lack of forgiveness. Let’s start with learning to forgive ourselves.
To forgive ourselves we must admit we messed up. This act of confession must be made to ourselves, to God, and to the person we hurt. Many times, the issue is between me and God so that is the level of my confession. Other times I need to include somebody that I hurt with my actions or words.
Finding a mature Christian believer to walk with us through confession is often very helpful. They can pray with us and direct us to scripture to build our faith in learning to accept the forgiveness God offers so we can forgive ourselves.
The other act of forgiveness is to those who have hurt us. If you live long enough you will be disappointed, hurt, and wounded by others. It is important to practice forgiveness so that bitterness doesn’t take root in your life. Bitterness creates narratives that play on a loop in our sub-conscience and grows stronger and longer with time. Before long the loop playing in our head is full of half-truths and assumptions with no facts to support them.
Multiple times scripture will talk about the importance of forgiveness of others. Jesus even said if we don’t forgive others, we block God from forgiving us (Matthew 6:14-15). This unwillingness to forgive others impacts our physical health in many ways.
Often, we need a good Christian counselor to walk us through forgiveness. Especially if we have harbored the bitterness and resentment for very long.
God’s solution begins when we confess to God our bitterness, resentment, and anger. That begins the path to freedom and health.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit please show me where in my life I have issues with forgiveness. Help me to confess my sins and receive Your forgiveness. Help me to admit my unforgiveness of others.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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