Last week, I had one of those days. I was easily irritated and touchy, and my husband could sense it in the way I was interacting with the family. I knew he noticed my mood, although he chose not to say anything in that moment.
Looking back, I felt ashamed at my behavior, and even though I could have come up with a few excuses, it wasn’t enough. I was still responsible for my words. That night, I sat next to my kids as I put them into bed and asked them for forgiveness.
I confessed it to my Father in heaven, too. He had witnessed me. I prayed, and I knew I was forgiven.
What a burden off my shoulders to know that while I had made a mistake, I was forgiven. I didn’t have to feel ashamed for a minute longer after confessing my sin to my Father God that night.
The next day, in response to how I had reacted the night before and more importantly, due to my stress level at work, I spoke to the leaders on my team. We were able to make changes to our workflow that would allow things to run smoother. This was a huge relief for me, and I was so grateful.
A few days later, my husband and I talked about how I had reacted, and it was a comforting to acknowledge that although I could have handled things differently, I did not need to feel condemned.
Jesus’ death on the cross made a way for every man and woman to be forgiven. He paid the price for every sin and shameful thing we have done. His blood allowed for “atonement”, the reconciliation of God to us.
Leviticus 17:11 says, “For the life of a creature is in the blood…it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” Prior to the death of Christ on the cross, the blood of bulls and goats would make atonement for the people ONCE A YEAR! Can you imagine the shame and condemnation that would build over time?
Are you constantly feeling guilty or apologetic? Confess your sins and know that you are already forgiven!
“Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” (words by Elvina M. Hall)
~Betsy
*photo from pixabay,com
