None of us are complete in ourselves but we need God and each other to complete us. When we suffer, we tend to see it as a sign of weakness, but as Paul says, we are to glory in our weaknesses for when we are weak, God is strong. These are not our moral weaknesses, but weaknesses that are built into us just like our strengths, so that we need each other. We are meant to be corporate, not just individuals: part of a body and an army. Our sins are dealt with by confession and repentance. However, we don’t keep asking for forgiveness for what has already been forgiven, we have to let it go as well!
“ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9 ESV).
If we do not understand that we are cleansed from ALL unrighteousness, the enemy can whisper in our ear, bringing up past sins and failures to bring about the feelings of shame, guilt, condemnation and unworthiness. God forgets once He forgives, the devil throws petrol on the forgiven sins to inflame our negative feelings. We are not how we feel!
“We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him” (1 John 5:18 ESV).
Our sin nature has been dealt a death blow on the cross; sin is no longer in our nature or identity. In one breath John says if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and then he says whoever is born of God does not sin! All scripture is held in tension, we need the Holy Spirit to show us the truth, the Author’s intention. We can still sin, but it is no longer in our nature to sin. We now have power over sin, it doesn’t rule over us if we keep ourselves centred on the One who died for us to be free.
Mal Cotton 16.5.21
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