In 1 John 9, we read: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”
She visited him in the hospital, his frail body a shell of his former self. He recognized her, his eyes softening, then showing fear. “Never thought I'd be like this,” he said with a shake of his head.
“What can I do for you.” She pulled up a chair. “Would you like me to pray with you?”
“Been reading this.” He picked up the Bible. “Maybe it offers hope for some but not me.” He closed his eyes. A tear trickled down his cheek.
“You read the hard part of the Book. Did you read about the precious gift Our Lord Jesus gives us? The gift of forgiveness and love?”
"Didn’t see that.” But hope flickered in his eyes.
“There’s no way He could love me.” He looked away.“Because of something you did? You could tell Him you’re sorry.” He dipped his head.
“I have no right to ask Him for anything. After all...”
“Are you proud of it?” She tilted her head.
“Of course not.”
“Then what you need is a good bath.” His eyebrows arched. “With God’s bar of soap.” She smiled.
“He promises if we confess our sins, He’ll forgive us. That’s not all. He’ll cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He also says if we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar...”
“I couldn’t call God a liar,” his eyes flared. "What can I do? Will you pray for me?”
“Tell you what. I’ll begin. You repeat.” She began but he took over, confessing his sins and asking the Lord Jesus to come into his life, to make him a new person. His eyes snapped open, now shining.
“Thank you for coming.” She gave him a hug.
“I’ll be back. We’re in the same family now.” He grinned.
Kingdom Thinking. I’ve been there. Feeling as if there is no hope because of actions or words. But The Lord Jesus promises if I confess my sins to Him, not only will He forgive me but cleanse me. How about you? Do you need His cleansing?
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