“but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 1:7
The phrase : “and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin” catches my attention this morning.
I meditate on this and take in again the freedom Christ’s sacrifice gave us all. We are not stained forever by our failings.
This amazing gift is freely given to each one of us.
How often, for how long, have I worn my sin like an ink stain on a white shirt? I scrub and scrub and and can’t get it out. Kind of like you can’t ever get a tattoo off your skin. And yet this is not the whole story. I cannot remove my past, my sin and failures. But I don’t have to; Jesus did it for me. His love took my sin to the cross. I’m forgiven, cleansed, made new.
With this truth treasured in my heart and understood in my thoughts, I am set free. The enemy will continue to try to have shame define me, driving me into futile grasping behaviors, but the truth of redemption sets me free, protects me.
Sometimes, as I look ahead and set my sights on writing, using my voice, leading others, the voice of shame surfaces. Fear grips me and I feel unworthy of this dream.
Yet the dream clings to my heart. I have something to say.
These words from 1 John speak to me. My life has a story. Parts of the story make me cringe. But it’s my story, all the adventures and failures make up a unique tapestry that has value. I have learned so much along the way. Together the wisdom and scars I’ve gathered tell a redemptive story. The great variety of experience is relatable, it’s makes me human.
What’s really important is what happens next. What do I do with all the wisdom I’ve gained, the sorrows I’ve endured and the joys I’ve celebrated? This is the fullness of life. This is what needs to be shared.
My story is about longing for God, longing for purpose and all the trials along the way. I sit here today, reminded that I am cleansed by the blood of Jesus. There is no stain on me, I am free to live fully, expressing my joy through the written word. How wonderful it will be to share this life affirming news with a thirsty hurting world.
Dear friend may today be a joyful new day, filled with hope and promise.
Father, let it be that I shine a bright hope filled light for you. Amen.
