By Maria Koshmider, a senior at Goshen College Reprinted from Lenten Devotions DEVOTIONAL: “Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The Word of God reminds us, or maybe even comforts us, that we are not alone in our sin. When I have felt ashamed or convicted of my sins, I think to myself that this is a reminder of how much I love God, and how much God loves me. If I am feeling convicted, obviously there is something more God has intended for me. There must be something better. I can be assured that the sorrow in my heart will not last forever. Still, ahead lies the daunting task of confessing my sins and seeking forgiveness. Why is it so difficult and painful to humble ourselves before the Lord and confess our sins directly? What do we fear? Does the Lord not assure us that our conscience will be clear and we will have peace in our hearts? As Psalm 32 tells us, we will be blessed if we are forgiven. We will be set free when our sins have been covered with God’s mercy and grace. God desires for us to seek him in prayer and confess our sins. God does not wish for his children to live in the bondage of sin. By his love we have been set free, and God assures us that he will never take this away from us. Now is the time. Set yourself free from the bondage that is keeping you from experiencing the freedom God has intended. And may peace be with you. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 32 (NRSV)
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Melanie Stanley-Soulen pastored Allen-Lee United Methodist Church from 2007 until 2013. Archives
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