Daily Power #226

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

When I was a senior in high school, my buddy Jimmy quietly signaled me during a test. “Psssst, Craig,” he whispered. Then when the teacher wasn’t looking, he passed me a note.

Mild panic set in. Jimmy wanted my “help” on our test, to put it nicely. The truth is he wanted me to cheat. While I certainly didn’t want to do the wrong thing, mostly out of fear of getting caught. I also didn’t want to let down my close buddy.

So without seriously contemplating the potential negative consequences, I robotically gave him the answers he needed. When the teacher’s back was turned, I handed the sheet back to him. Unfortunately, our handoff wasn’t quick enough.

Jimmy fumbled the paper and dropped it between our rows the exact moment the teacher turned around. We were busted red-handed.

Within the hour, both my mom and dad were with me in the principal’s office. While they agreed with the school’s punishment, they didn’t yell at me or require extra discipline. When I acknowledged my sin completely, without any excuse, and asked for their forgiveness, I was shocked when they said, “You are forgiven.”

That was it. No questions. No qualifications. No lecture. And they never mentioned it again. In that moment, I think I got a glimpse into what our God is like. When he forgives, he forgives freely, fully, and permanently.

You are forgiven when you confess your sins to God. Remember that.

Power Lift

It’s tough, Lord, to get through the day without recognizing I blew it somewhere along the way. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you that I am forgiven.