Have you ever tried to justify a sin? Tried to rationalize with God on why that sin wasn’t as bad as everyone else’s? Even using the Bible and saying there isn’t any place where it says specifically that this is wrong. I think we all have at one point if we are honest. However, just the fact our conscience is trying to justify should be enough of a red flag.
Here is how to handle that:
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This doesn’t mean until the next time. You truly need to repent, which means turn away from your sin and seek God.
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
I love this verse about repentance: “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Matthew 3:8.
This is where words become action. We have to live in a way that our actions show we are repentant. A perfect example would be a friend who keeps hurting your feelings. They always say they are sorry but keep doing it. After a while you realize they aren’t truly sorry or they would stop. Same for that habitual sin. You need to come to terms with it and ask God to take it away from you.
God gives us a great way to move forward and live a fruitful life in Ephesians 6:10-17
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
So Friends, I challenge you to spend time with God and ask Him to bring up any sin that you are harboring in that justification place in your mind. Confess it and ask him to help you move forward following the path He has for you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Following His Lead 