A Day-by-day devotional

May 25, 2023

Never have I ever

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Kings 4-7

Scripture of the Day: 1 John 1:9

If you have ever played the game “Never have I ever…?”, you surely would have had a moment when you rocked your brain hard to remember. Either that, or you just wouldn’t want to recall an embarrassing, guilt-laden past. Perhaps, at one point or another, you had even lied so those present wouldn’t discover something you wouldn’t want others to know.

Most of us, if not all, have done things in our past that we feel ashamed of. Some things we would rather bury away undiscovered even by people closest to us. If given the chance, we wouldn’t want to be associated with them anymore as much as possible.

We all make mistakes. Nonetheless, the amount of the guilt, shame or regret that you later on feel does not reflect the graveness of the mistake. It might be something you did when you were not able to think properly, under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It can also be something you did due to extreme rage, anger or jealousy. Still, in some instances, it could be something you did with full knowledge, will, and consent.

When we make such mistakes and the shadow of our guilt and shame won’t leave us, we have to foremost know that no matter how tremendous and seemingly grave that mistake was, somebody can take the burden from us. We can be freed not only of the guilt and shame, but the sin that is at the core of that mistake. What we first have to do is acknowledge that we need someone to save us from the burden. Then we ask forgiveness from those we trespassed against, and God. Afterwards, we enter a healing process within ourselves. We surrender our burden to God our Savior, allowing Him to heal the wounds brought about by the consequences of that sin. As we heal, we have to learn to forgive our selves.

No matter how grave you think your sin was, the grace of God would always be bigger. He can forgive any wrong you did as long as you genuinely repent and ask for forgiveness. And because He can forgive you, you have to be able to forgive yourself too.

Reflection: Are there mistakes you have done in the past whose weight you still carry around with you? Do you still feel shame and guilt? Look to the Savior. He has purchased your guilt and shame with His blood. You no longer have to carry them.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for the freedom I have in you. Amen.