Have you recently committed an act that, in your eyes, is so sinful that you have trouble forgiving yourself or approaching God about it? Did you say to yourself “I know better” or “I should have known better”? If you did, I agree. You should have known better (No sympathy here). But what’s done is done, so what now? How does one get a promising future out of a blotted past?
“11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11, kjv)
“12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins” (Proverbs 10:12, kjv).
The above scripture from Proverbs is part of a proverb contrasting the Godly and the wicked. The love described is the kind found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (The suffering long, not stuck on itself, not arrogant, not easily provoked, not thinking any evil, not rejoicing in iniquity, but rejoicing in truth, bearing all things and enduring all things kind of love). This love, termed in Greek as “agape”, describes God. Those who do not know Him cannot display this kind of love in its totality. It is this kind, and only this kind that can truly “cover all sins”.
So here’s the deal: The sin you have committed warrants God’s mercy. Go to God and ask for His forgiveness. I believe He will (1 John 1:9). You then have to make a decision not to stay down in your own all-invited, none-attended pity party. Get up from there and encourage yourself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6). Make up your mind that you will turn your problems over to God who is more than able to grant you His peace (Philippians 4:6-7).
If you know your actions hurt someone, go to that person. Confess your faults and ask for forgiveness. Then, through fervent and sincere prayer, allow the healing to begin (James 5:16).
Maybe you have a negative past. Maybe you don’t. One thing is for certain: in God you have a promising future! God has plans for you. Most of the time, we as imperfect people run around thinking God is mad when He really is not – or vice versa. The point is that He loves us and wants only the best for us. So when you face times of uncertainty and despair, just know that with the resolve to trust God in even the toughest times, you will make it! God bless you!
Author, speaker, musician DEREK E. EURALES, Jr., loves to share his faith, motivation, and music. His book, Principles of Christian Living, has become a “must read” for believers of all ages. To order your copy, click here.