If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
I pause my study of 1 Corinthians to study DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys Daily devotional, which today, looks at how to repent. When we sin, and are aware of our sins specifically, we inevitably feel shame, remorse and as John Piper describes, "crummy" or "rotten." Piper shares how "[a] vague, bad feeling that you are a crummy person is not the same as conviction for sin. Feeling rotten is not the same as repentance." Instead, Piper encourages us to specifically "call to mind the commands [we] frequently break." For himself, he lists several, including:
- "Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Be as eager for things to go well for him as you are for things to go well for you. (see Matthew 22:39)"
- "Do all things without grumbling. No grumbling — inside or outside. (Philippians 2:14)"
- "Only say things that give grace to others — especially those closest to you. (Ephesians 4:29)"
- "Redeem the time. Don’t fritter away the minutes, or dawdle. (Ephesians 5:16)"
Piper presses in how being specific are out in the open and not hidden - we confront them. Piper gets angry at his sin and he wants to kill the sin - not himself - his sin. Piper then offers us encouragement when we take on such battles, even when we know they are uncomfortable. He rests in 1 John 1:9 and how Christ forgives and cleanses - we must confess, however, specifically.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good as I know You forgive and cleanse sin - thank You Jesus for helping me with my daily battle against sin. The list is long and it continues...daily. Please forgive me for my many sins, including how I often fritter away the minutes...please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
