40 Days of Seeking First the Kingdom of God
Click here to watch the video version of this devotional
Daily Insight:
Regularly examining our hearts and confessing our sins isn’t about keeping the slate clean; it’s about maintaining a close, unburdened walk with God.
1 John 1:9 (CSB)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I remember when I first came across 1 John 1:9. It was like finding a new tool in my spiritual toolbox, but, if I'm being honest, I misused it. I treated that powerful verse as a 'sin bucket.' I let my sins pile up, justifying them one after another. Then, when it felt like things were getting a bit too heavy, I'd pull out that verse like a magic eraser—"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Bam! The bucket was empty, and I was ready to start all over again.
But here's the thing: I was missing the heart of the matter. Forgiveness isn't just a spiritual transaction, a process to cleanse our slate; it's about a relationship. It's about our love for God and our earnest desire to draw closer to Him. When we reduce forgiveness to a mere process—a routine we follow to get rid of our guilt—we're not only misusing God's grace, but we're also missing out on the actual depth of His love.
In seeking first the Kingdom of God understanding forgiveness must start with a shift in perspective. It's not about how many times we can empty our sin bucket; it's about understanding why we shouldn't want to fill it up in the first place. It's about recognizing that each sin isn't just a mark against us; it's a step away from the intimate relationship God desires with us.
So, let's explore what it truly means to seek forgiveness, not as a convenient way to deal with our sins, but as a path to drawing nearer to God, embracing His love, and transforming our lives to reflect His glory.
1. The Need for Forgiveness
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23
Imagine you're walking through a dense forest, carrying a heavy backpack. With each step, the backpack's weight makes your journey more difficult. You're aware of the burden, but you keep adding more items—rocks, in this case—each representing a sin in your life. As you continue, the weight becomes almost unbearable, slowing your pace, bending your back, making your hike painful, and sapping your strength. This is the picture of a life loaded with sin, each rock a reminder of our choices that weigh us down.
Now, picture a moment of realization, a moment of pause. You open the backpack and start examining these rocks, acknowledging each one. This act of acknowledgment is like the confession of our sins. It's recognizing the weight we've been carrying, understanding that it's not just a physical burden but a spiritual one that separates us from the holiness of God.
But the story doesn't end there. Imagine, as you acknowledge each rock, each becomes surprisingly lighter, eventually turning into feathers and floating away. This miraculous transformation represents forgiveness from our Heavenly Father. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, we have all sinned and fall short of God's glory. Yet, it's through acknowledging our need for forgiveness and turning to God that we experience the lifting of this weight, the transformation of our burdens into something light and freeing.
This life application illustration serves as a vivid reminder of the necessity of forgiveness. It's not about ignoring the weight of our sins or pretending they don't exist. It's about facing them, confessing them, and then experiencing the liberating power of God's grace. As we seek first the Kingdom of God, let's remember to regularly examine and unload our backpacks; this is not about following Jesus without a burden, but following Him with a burden that's been transformed by the grace and forgiveness of God.
2. The Nature of God's Forgiveness
"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." - Psalm 103:8
In considering the nature of God's forgiveness, it is essential to approach the topic with a clear understanding grounded in Scripture, knowing that God's forgiveness is connected to His attributes. God's forgiveness, as revealed in the Bible, is multifaceted, reflecting His holiness, justice, love, and grace.
Firstly, God's forgiveness is holistic and complete. Unlike human forgiveness, which might retain remnants of resentment or remembrance, God's forgiveness is total. When God forgives, He removes our transgressions "as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12). This completeness is not just a matter of forgetting but signifies a restoration of relationship, a reinstatement of the sinner to a position of righteousness in God's sight.
Secondly, this forgiveness is rooted in God's justice and holiness. It is not a dismissal of sin as inconsequential but a testament to the fact that God takes sin seriously. The sacrificial death of Christ on the cross is central to understanding God's forgiveness. It is through Jesus' sacrifice that the just requirements of God's law are satisfied (Romans 3:25–26). In His holiness, God cannot simply overlook sin; it must be punished. Christ bears this punishment on our behalf, making forgiveness possible.
Thirdly, God's forgiveness expresses His infinite love and grace. Ephesians 2:4-5 reminds us that it is by grace we have been saved, through faith—and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God. God's forgiveness is not something we can earn or merit; it is freely given, demonstrating His love for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).
Fourthly, God's forgiveness is transformative. It does not merely change our legal standing before God; it transforms our hearts and lives. The forgiven sinner is a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), called to live in a way that reflects the grace they have received. This transformative aspect of forgiveness is essential in understanding its nature—it is not only about being pardoned for past sins but also about being empowered to live a new life in Christ.
Finally, God's forgiveness is accessible to all who believe. It is not limited to a select few or confined to those who meet specific criteria of worthiness. The gospel message is clear: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13). This universal offer of forgiveness underscores the breadth of God's mercy and the inclusiveness of His redemptive plan.
In embracing Kingdom Living, let us remember that experiencing forgiveness is more than erasing past errors; it's about growing closer to God and reflecting His glory in our lives. May we continually seek His face, not just for the cleansing of our sins, but for the joy of living in unbroken fellowship with Him. Forgiveness is not just a moment of relief, but a step towards a life enriched by His grace and truth. Let's cherish this gift, using it not as a license to sin, but as a powerful reminder of His enduring love and our calling to be His light in the world.