“God, Who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, Who…was raised to secure our justification (our acquittal), [making our account balance and absolving us from all guilt before God].”—Romans 4:24–25 AMPC

After Adam and Eve sinned, they realized that their relationship with God had changed. They were no longer living in harmony with Him. When He approached, they did not welcome His presence. Instead, they “hid themselves” (Genesis 3:8). There was a painful separation, a kind of wall between them and God. This was the first human experience of guilt. Since that day, guilt has become a common condition for all of us. Many factors can trigger guilt. We might have disobeyed God or said or done things that violated His Word. This kind of guilt can haunt our minds and hearts. Even Christians can find it difficult to overcome guilt. God provided a way for us to overcome these guilty feelings. Paul wrote that Jesus “was betrayed and put to death because of our misdeeds” (Romans 4:25). So because of His death and resurrection, we can be forgiven and escape the hold guilt has on our hearts and minds. The Bible promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJV). If we acknowledge our sins, we can be free and forgiven! Are you carrying any guilt or other burdens resulting from sin in your life? Confess any sins to God, and then accept His forgiveness. Jesus died and rose again, so you could be free and live in harmony with God.

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer of confession and repentance.

“God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.”—Romans 1:28 NKJV

Paul warned the Romans about the tragic consequences of sexual immorality. He wrote about “vile passions” and things that were “not fitting,” and “shameful” actions that resulted in “a debased mind” (vs. 26–28). These are serious sins that are offensive to God and demonstrate that people have abandoned His laws. It is important to read this passage in context. This kind of serious immorality clearly is evil, but other, less dramatic sins are just as bad in God’s sight. These sins include “greed, hate, envy … quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip,” being “proud and boastful,” disobedience, failing to keep promises, heartlessness, and acting without mercy (vs. 29–31 NLT). These are the kinds of attitudes and actions we see all around us in our daily lives that may not seem so bad. Even Christians can find themselves engaging in these kinds of activities without realizing their consequences or how much they can tarnish our testimony. Today, be on guard against these kinds of practical sins. People all around you may engage in deceit or gossip. You may be tempted to be boastful, become envious, or withhold forgiveness or mercy. But make sure to take Paul’s warning seriously. In God’s sight, sin is sin. Ask God for His forgiveness for any kind of sin. Seek His help to live purely and cleanly, so others can see how Christ has changed your life.

Reflection Question:Reflect on these sinful attitudes and actions that may be in your heart.