If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —1 John 1:9
One morning several years ago, two puppies appeared on our porch. Besides feeding and playing with them, we spent a long time searching for ticks. While it wasn’t pleasant, I know the danger ticks pose if they’re not removed.
I kept thinking of how the ticks reminded me of sin. The more sin we root out of our lives, the more we discover still lurking in our hearts. Sin attaches itself to us and won’t let go. It sucks our lifeblood, causing pain and turmoil. If it’s not destroyed, it just attaches itself to us once again.
The Holy Spirit gently, but firmly, takes hold of our sin. He convicts, corrects, and teaches us. He comforts us with the certainty of God’s love. And when we confess our sins, He promises forgiveness and cleansing. The paralysis and pain of our sin is no longer allowed to plague us. Rather we’re cleansed with the heavenly hyssop of Jesus’ blood and washed whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7).
Make it Personal
Are you struggling with a sin that’s sucking the lifeblood out of you? What are those deep-rooted sins that seem so hard to remove?