Guilt. Accusations. Shame. Regret. Many in the body of Christ are riddled with negativity, with condemnation—some even to the point of despair. This concept was made crystal clear to me earlier today.
Dan and I choose to speak to each other with kindness and respect. In fact, he almost always makes me feel that I am a person of immense value. So, an episode that happened this morning might seem trivial to some, but it was a big deal to me.
Our neighborhood was blanketed with snow. As we parked at the gym, Dan pulled into an end spot near a curb. Upon getting out of the car he remarked that he had parked in a great spot. His side of the car was free of ice and snow. Being near the curb, I had to step into the snow as I left the car.
Without thinking I blurted out, "Of course it was a great spot for you!" Ouch. Without any offense taken, Dan calmly replied that he meant his parking was good because he had left enough space for the adjacent car's owner to easily open its door.
I was filled with remorse as I swam. I remembered how generous and kind my husband is to me. I thought of multiple examples of times he has submitted to my desires. And, importantly, I recognized how frequently I am in need of grace. Great grace.
I repented to Lord Jesus right away, thanking Him for forgiveness and thanking Him for Dan. Immediately I heard Jesus whisper to my spirit, "My blood covers you. Completely. I only see you as white as snow." Wow. I see my faults. He sees me through His vast love and His sacrifice for me on the cross.
As soon as I reunited with Dan after exercising, I wholeheartedly apologized for my unkind remark. He, of course quickly forgave me too. Did I deserve it? No. But I was very happy to receive his forgiveness.
My Blood Covers
Brothers and sisters, Jesus is saying these same magnificent words to you: "My blood covers you. Completely. I only see you as white as snow."
It is time to stop listening to the accusing lies of the enemy reminding you of past sins. The devil wants to hinder you, crippling you from running in freedom and great joy today.
The Apostle Paul empathized with our reluctance to accept grace. In Romans 7:15-18 Paul penned, For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do... For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells.He also clearly reminds us that we all have sinned (Romans 3:23). All of us. Me. You. All have sinned. But because of the Cross, we need not wallow in guilt.
Only a few paragraphs later, Paul beautifully declares, There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1,2). We are FREE!
John, the disciple who knew well the love of Jesus, gives us great advice and encouragement. If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:7-9).
Move Forward
Confess the sin. Accept this amazing, total cleansing with thanksgiving, then move forward!
King David knew remorse from his own sin. He also expressed his ability to fully own forgiveness. Listen with your heart to his words. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12).
And lastly, hear the words God Himself spoke through the prophet Isaiah. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool (Isaiah 1:18).
Paul, John, David—all mighty men of God, knew the despair of sin. More importantly, they knew God and His desire for us to walk in the freedom of forgiveness.
Jesus is saying to His church today, "My blood covers you. Completely. I only see you as white as snow."
Linda Wilson
