We experience true freedom when we have a clean slate with God. Even though our faults and sins are ongoing, when we admit them to God with a sincere desire to change, God is faithful to forgive us.
If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:8-9 NLT)
Sometimes we appear to do good things for others and tell ourselves we are caring people even though we have a bad attitude and hold hidden resentments. We list the things we’ve done right and use that list to excuse ourselves from taking responsibility when we do wrong. The Bible makes a clear distinction between doing good to “look good” and practicing goodness as a character quality. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. (Romans 12:9 NLT)
As followers of Jesus we are required to choose for good regardless of the trials we may face. We are told that a sign of the presence of God within us is a lifestyle of goodness. God created us for a work He has prepared in advance for us to do, a work that flows from a pure heart. The challenging question for us is: are we doing things to make us “look good” or, are we loving others because God has transformed us and made us whole?
If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31b-32 NIV)
Freedom comes when we acknowledge the truth that without Jesus we can do nothing good, but with Jesus, all things are possible!
Prayer: Gracious God, I acknowledge that freedom to love others comes only through obeying Your word. Help me to choose to do what is right, to be merciful, and to walk humbly with You in all my ways. AMEN
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