A Sinner's Confession

“There is none righteous; no not one.” Romans 3:10
“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

I am a sinner. Most Christians would agree with that statement. I am not perfect. No argument there! I need a Savior. Hopefully, all of us will come to this conclusion one way or another. So…because I am a sinner and am not perfect, I need a Savior.

If the above is true, then it follows that I will need correction and instruction – constantly; because I will always be a sinner and I will never be perfect. Praise God, I have a Savior!

I need a Savior because I am not perfect and am a sinner. So, why is it that my first responses to instruction and correction are: “Who me?” “I’m not bad!” “I’m justified in doing ___!” “It must be your fault!” “You just don’t understand.” etc.? It’s probably because I don’t like the taste of humble pie.

“Honey, I’d really like you to cut my hair tonight.” Ralph likes me to cut his hair because he loves to have me play with it. Normally, I like to do it. This time I only reluctantly agreed thinking that I would probably feel more like doing it later.

That evening came and I still did not feel like cutting anyone’s hair. He reminded me and I piddled around and distracted myself. Finally, I got lost in a book while he “got lost” on his computer. The hair cutting had been conveniently forgotten -- or so I thought.

The next morning I was making breakfast and Ralph came into the kitchen. “Sheila, I’m really disappointed that you didn’t cut my hair last night like you said that you would.” I could tell that he was a little upset. “Why didn’t you just tell me that you’d like to do it another time instead of saying that you would do something and then not doing it? I think you were wrong not to follow through with your word.” To his credit, he was being kind and at the same time trying to hold me accountable.

I wish I could say that my first response was “I’m sorry.” Unfortunately, I didn’t want to eat humble pie for breakfast and my reply was much more along the lines of the above. However, as we talked, the Holy Spirit tapped me on the shoulder and told me that He wanted to love me and He wanted to forgive me. “Remember!” He was whispering, “You need a Savior!”

After a little bit of prodding, my heart brought forth the words, “You’re right, hon. I should have said something to you or done what I said I was going to do. I’m sorry. Forgive me?” Of course, he hugged me and forgave me, not just for not keeping my word, but also for my excuse making; and our relationship was restored.

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

According to Drs. Cloud & Townsend in their book Safe People, when we confess our wrongdoing and own up to our failures, we increase our capacity for intimacy and love. If you think about it, we can only receive forgiveness for what we are willing to confess and can only receive God’s love to the extent that we are forgiven and, consequently, are only able to give love to the extent that we have received it. We cannot truly love others, especially those closest to us, if we are not willing and able to admit when we are wrong.

I believe that we are put into relationships with others so that we can learn to love and be loved the way that our Heavenly Father loves us. Because we are sinners, this involves a lot of “owning” our own sin and realizing that in receiving instruction and correction we are actually able to love more.

“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” Proverbs 4:13

“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” Proverbs 15:10

If we cannot receive correction and instruction (especially from those who love us most), then we are in effect saying, “I don’t sin. I’m perfect. I don’t need a Savior.” Where would that leave us? Although we may understand this fully from a theological standpoint, do we really understand it when it comes down to our own lives? I hope I do. I hope I welcome reproof and correction so that I can embrace my Savior, live, and love more.

Lord, help me to receive Your love and forgiveness by admitting when I am wrong. Protect me from the lie that says “If you’re not perfect, people won’t love you.” Because the opposite is really true. Help me to become a more useful vessel by “owning” my wrongs so that You can right them. Show me how to continue to embrace the One Who loves perfectly so that I can love others the way You love me.