How many times have we said that? Plenty for me! When I am running late and the kids won't listen and before I know it, I've been hateful. Or when the telemarketer doesn't understand I am not interested and oops! I've gone from polite to not so much in no time. We all have those moments in life when we mess up. That's a given. The question is, what do we do when we mess up?
I like to think that I have perfect timing when it comes to saying sorry, but in reality, I don't. It takes me awhile to sometimes swallow my pride and admit I was wrong, or that I messed up. Same goes for going to God. When my "oops" moments in life happen, I try to stuff them deep inside, making excuses along the way. But in reality, it's the opposite that I should do.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.Here are some words that jump out at me when I read this verse. I have highlighted them. The first one is CONFESS. That means to come clean. Not something I am interested in when I know I've messed up. I would like to bury it inside and pretend it never happened. God still sees! I have learned the quicker I go to Him and ask for forgiveness, the better off I feel.
Next word, FAITHFUL. What does it mean to be faithful? The dictionary defines it as: reliable, trusted, true to one's word. God says if we confess, He is faithful to do as He said, and forgive us! That's a great promise! I know I need it many times throughout my life. I am so glad He is trustworthy and honest. He can be counted on to cleanse us of our unrighteousness, and we can have a fresh start!
And last, but not least; PURIFY. To be pure. Cleansed. Washed. When I hear the word purify, it reminds me of Isaiah 1:18 "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." How refreshing does that sound? From being dirty, full of sin, to being cleansed, fresh like snow.
Next time I have a "oops" moment in my day to day, I will do my best to go to the Father before my flesh has time to reason me into trouble. We can always benefit from a good heart to heart talk with our Father, coming clean is easy when you trust the person you are talking to. Remember, He is faithful!
-Megan
