Bible Reading: Romans 3:23-24
How can you know if you have ever sinned? Romans 3:23 and 24 say, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ
Jesus.” (Emphasis added.) That makes it clear that ever person has sinned. You have sinned. I have sinned.
Since we have all sinned, what does that mean? What is sin?
The Bible says sin takes many forms. Sin is not loving God. Sin is not loving all other people. Sin is not doing the things that God says that we are to do. Sin is doing anything that God forbids. Sin is doing anything that hurts another person.
Even if you have only done one little thing that God disapproves of – you have sinned.
Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Remember, according to our Bible reading every last one of us has sinned – but there is hope. We don’t have to be punished for our sins. Jesus took our punishment for us by dying on the cross. Then He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven so sin could no longer control us.
All we have to do is believe that in our heart, ask Jesus to forgive us for sinning, and ask Him to take over our lives so we won’t be controlled by sin anymore.
When we do, we can claim victory over sin and have new life through Jesus.
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8 & 9
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know I’ve sinned. I’m sorry. Forgive me and take away sin’s control over my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.