A few years ago I had a friend tell me about a big struggle he had against a sinful habit in his life. He said it had been going on for years but his shame about this problem caused him to keep it hidden. He tried to hide his pain by being actively involved in church but he couldn't shake the feeling of being far away from God. He needed forgiveness. He needed a friend to help him be accountable to overcome his sin.
A man was brought to Jesus in Matthew 9. He was paralyzed. This man and his friends fully expected Jesus to heal him that day. Interestingly, Jesus didn't heal this man's physical problems first. Rather, He began by healing the man's spiritual problems. Jesus forgave his sins! Just like my friend, the paralytic needed spiritual healing.
We so often want to give God certain portions of our lives—the issues that might not hurt as much. We only want Him to heal the easy stuff. But when it gets down to the real struggles plaguing our hearts, it can be so easy to shy away from God, try to hide our sins, and try to atone for our sins with good works and deeds. Yet, no matter how much we try, we cannot hide our sins or conjure up forgiveness on our own. Only God has the authority to forgive sin.
We belong to a loving God who wants to be in every part of our lives. Though He detests sin, He hates the separation that sin causes between Himself and His people even more. He is willing to forgive, if we are faithful to ask. We were created to live in community. Though it might be out of our comfort zone, accountability is one great way to facilitate asking God for forgiveness.
Partner with one of the brothers or sisters in your faith community this week, and be vulnerable. Share and confess with one another where you are struggling, and intercede for one another in prayer. Make it a habit to pray for that person throughout the week. As the days pass, don’t forget to also share with your accountability/prayer partner where you are experiencing freedom and God’s victory in the struggles you discussed. Be sure to give God thanks for His forgiveness and grace.
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