A Clear Conscience

A Clear Conscience

Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear.

1 Timothy 1:19

IN ACTS 24:16, the apostle Paul shared a principle that guided his own life: “I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.” In his case, that was in large part because he wanted nothing to hinder his witness as he spread the good news about Christ. That’s a great reason for us as well, but keeping a clear conscience is also good for your mental health and your relational health. Unfortunately, all of us are flawed. We sometimes fail to keep God’s commands. You don’t have to be perfect to have a good marriage, but you do have to deal with your failures.

How do you clear your conscience before God? By confessing your sins to him. How do you get a clear conscience before people? By confessing your sins to the person you sinned against. In marriage, that is your spouse.

I’m often asked, “But what if my spouse isn’t willing to forgive me?” That is not your problem. Your responsibility is to admit your mistake and ask forgiveness. You have not taken the first step until you have confessed your own failures. Then your spouse has a choice: to forgive or not to forgive. At any rate, your conscience is clear, and you can now ask God to help you be a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem.

Father, thank you that I can always confess my sins to you. Your forgiveness is an incredible gift. Help me to confess my sins to my spouse as well and keep my conscience clear.

Forgiveness