May 8
May 8
Psalm 51:1–19
Restored Fellowship
All of us struggle with sin. Human nature pulls us down as gravity does, yet God has made us and saved us to lift us up (1 John 1:5–2:6). There are three ways we may deal with our sins.
Cover them. We cover our sins with our words. This is lying—deceiving others and ourselves and lying to God. Lies are darkness, whereas God’s truth is light. When we lie, our character erodes (Prov. 28:13). When we cover sin, we lose God’s light, fellowship, and character.
Confess them. Admit and judge them—agree with God about your sin. This involves the heart and the will. Some people have died because they repeatedly, willfully, proudly, and arrogantly defied the will of God. Admit you are a sinner, say what is wrong and then come to Him and name it. Confess your sin only in the circle of those influenced by it—individuals or family. (Don’t become an exhibitionist with the public.) Confession brings release, freedom, forgiveness, and a new beginning.
Conquer them. Jesus is in heaven today as our Advocate—as a Lawyer before the Father. Abide in Him, love Him, walk with Him in the light of His Word. Keep His commandments. Fellowship is a by-product of our walk with God. To love Him is to serve Him and obey His commandments.
Are you covering sin or conquering sin in your life? Confess any known sin and ask God to clean your heart. He wants to forgive you so He can restore fellowship with you.