Read: Psalm 103:10-12 & Romans 8:38-39 & James 5:16 & 1 John 1:9
It’s baffling how self-absorbed small children can be. They snatch toys from siblings and peers exclaiming, “Mine!” over and over. We immediately correct them and tell them to apologize to the other child. We explain why it’s wrong and teach them to not do it again. Sadly, this cycle continues for the rest of the play date, and you leave feeling like your kid may never learn from his mistakes.
Isn’t it interesting how we are like this with God? We sin daily. “This is my time, my life, my decision, my relationship, my goal. Mine, mine, mine!” We are so similar to kids playing together. We focus on ourselves and sometimes hurt others. God commands us to love others and to confess our sin. After we admit we’re wrong, we must then trust that He forgives us and loves us unconditionally.
Think back to our play date. As parents, we require our children to admit they are wrong and to apologize. We expect them to not make the same mistakes again. But we don’t stop loving our children. Nothing they do changes our love for them. Likewise, God loves us regardless of how we hurt ourselves or others. There is no fear in confessing our sins, because nothing can separate us from his mercy, love and grace. God wants us to come to Him and confess our wrongdoings. When we do, He promises freedom and forgiveness in return. What a precious gift and what an awesome Father we have.
