Knowing the Truth is Freeing

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (I John 1:8, ESV)

Have you been vulnerable and truthful enough with yourself to admit you are a sinful person? Sinful from the day you were born? That truth is very hard to come to grips with. It’s much easier to recognize and see the sin in others, than ourselves. With ourselves we might be more inclined to make excuses or see ourselves as better than we truly are. Inability to see or admit we are sinful keeps us in a life and daily struggle. Keeps us pressing and struggling to be something we can never be, perfect. Keeps us thinking we are not acceptable or loved by God, who made us.

There are constantly three voices (not two) at work: the voice of the world. Assuring us we can achieve perfection after all, if only we would… The voice of our own flesh/thinking and belief that we are not that bad… And the third voice, the voice of God which lovingly tells us we are indeed sinful and in need of a Savior. It is the third voice that should be the dominant and win out. God’s voice is not a berating, condemning nor demeaning voice; but the voice of truth that wants only the best for us and leads us to His Son, Jesus where there is freedom and joy.

Knowing the truth about ourselves and admitting we need Jesus to save us puts us on the right path and set us free from the inner and soulful struggle to be perfect. Let’s Pray,

It’s so hard to admit who we really are, God. To see ourselves as those in need of a Savior. Thank You for sending Jesus and for loving us as imperfect and sinful as we are. Amen

Reflective Questions for Soul-Tending:

Where are you on your journey of acceptance? Are you in denial or acceptance of needing a Savior?

How will you incorporate today’s message into your plan of soul-care?