Don’t Let It Fester!
By Susan Klein
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9
As a nurse, I used to treat the various wounds of many elderly people. The trick was to catch the wound right away so we could treat it and minimize the damage to surrounding tissue. A wound that has festered for some time can be difficult to heal and lead to other complications, including permanent damage. Cleaning and covering a wound when it is first observed brings about the best hope for healing.
The same principle can be applied to sin. When we sin, we should confess it immediately so our loving heavenly Father can cleanse us of our unrighteousness and His love can cover over our offense. If we don’t confess right away, and the sin is allowed to “fester” in our minds, we may start to hear the accuser telling us we are unworthy of forgiveness. If we give in to those lies, that sin may start to imbed itself deep within our beings allowing its infective power to corrupt more of our lives. Soon, we may be plagued with the despair of our guilt, or we might fall into the habit of sinning even more. Or, leaving our sin unconfessed could even cause our hearts to harden and pull us away from our Father. Sin requires immediate response!
All throughout the gospels we see Jesus healing people of their afflictions, both physically and spiritually, upon their asking. They see, they ask, and they are healed! It’s that simple! The verse above assures us that He is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us. We need not fear going to Him. He desires for us to be righteous and guilt-free, and is willing to offer forgiveness immediately upon our asking for it.
Do you have a sin issue you’ve been leaving unattended? Do you need the Great Physician to cleanse your wound and heal you? Remember, He died to cover over all your sins!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Take some time to sit before your heavenly Father and ask if there are any sins you’ve left unattended. If there are some that you know have been allowed to fester, get them taken care of immediately! Don’t let the enemy keep you from God’s gracious healing!
FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 53: 4-6, 12b
Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.
