We will be focused on that Amazing Grace in worship tomorrow so I think Psalm 51 (one of the recent readings in Engage the Word) fully demonstrates God's grace and is perfect for our discussion in this post. The passage begs for forgiveness, mercy, and grace and verse 6 speaks to the fact that even our secret sins can be forgiven. God wants truth in our innermost parts. Do you have secret sin buried deep within and what is it doing to your joy, your witness, and your life? Verse 13 talks about teaching transgressors the way of the Lord. But it is preceded by several things in the first 12 verses. Confession, repentance, cleansing, joy and the desire to have a pure heart and a steadfast spirit come before and allow us the privilege of leading others to Christ.
What keeps us from confession and repentance? Is it pride? Verse 17 says that the sacrifices are a broken spirit and a broken, contrite heart. Is your spirit prideful? Does it keep you from asking for forgiveness of others and God? What is holding you back? Do you want to be different? Do you want to grow in your relationships with others and with Christ? This reading was a great challenge to me and I pray it was to you as well.
What keeps us from confession and repentance? Is it pride? Verse 17 says that the sacrifices are a broken spirit and a broken, contrite heart. Is your spirit prideful? Does it keep you from asking for forgiveness of others and God? What is holding you back? Do you want to be different? Do you want to grow in your relationships with others and with Christ? This reading was a great challenge to me and I pray it was to you as well.