(A series on lies sin tells us to tempt us and trick us. Read the whole series here.)
We like to keep sin hidden.
It’s only natural. Our enemy knows this and encourages this.
Sin is ugly, shameful, and feels very personal to us. Sharing about our sin feels threatening, putting us at risk of judgement or worse, accountability.
Yet leaving sin in the darkness does no good. That’s where sin thrives.
We don’t have to wear scarlet letters or spill our guts in unsafe relationships, but the Lord does ask us to call sin what it is. He calls us to expose our sin to the light of truth: Him.
Join these bloggers as they participate in the drawing of sin’s deception out of darkness into Christ’s light:
By Helene at Maidservants of Christ
“…left to myself, I know I am neither righteous nor good.
You know that too, don’t you? Our culture constantly bellows “You’re special! You’re important! You’re just great!” then backhands us with a thousand insults to prove we’re not.
But we recognize sin’s lie when it comes a calling. Deep in our hearts is the whispered truth. ‘I’m no good.” To which God says simply, “I know you’re not. But I am.’”
By Becky at My Ink Dance
“Confession doesn’t put the things back together, but it does give you permission to let go of the broken pieces.
That mama knew what happened all along. She was only waiting for her daughter to confess. Not so she could scold, but so she could forgive.”
By Alyssa at Living By The Light of the King
“I’ve heard it said that repentance means that we turn away from our sin.
But the truth is that the original Greek word used through the New Testament (metanoia) doesn’t really have anything to do with sin. It actually means ‘change of mind.’”
True repentance isn’t just about sin.”
By Irina at Blessed Beyond Borders, Beyond Boundaries
“At first, we try to convince ourselves that nobody notices our sins. Whatever I do behind the closed doors is nobody’s business. It’s my life and I can do whatever I want. As long as the sin doesn’t hurt anybody, my sin is not a big deal.”
By Kendra at Stronger With Christ
“When I focus on God (and not my problems), He changes everything. When I focus on the truth of His Word, I can believe that God loves me. When I focus on my failure, I question how anyone could love me.
When I trust God, my confidence grows. When I trust myself, I believe sin’s lies.”
By Casey at Cattails, Rabbit Trails, and Thistlefish
“Instantly, the enemy is at hand to whisper subtly: ‘He doesn’t actually want to give you what you want.’
Even worse, sometimes that whisper speaks, ‘He’s withholding good things from you; how dare he?’”
By Shannon at In Between His Times
“The truth is that the Lord commands us not to be anxious about anything. Not requests it. Not tells us that it’s a nice thought. Not suggests it as one of 5 Steps to a Healthier Life.
Nope.
Commands.
What an uncomfortable word.”
This post may also be shared on: #MomentsofHope #TestimonyTuesday, #RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory, #Thought-Provoking Thursday, #Heart Ecnouragement, #DanceWithJesus, #LLMLinkup, Faith-Filled Friday, Sitting Among Friends, and #SoulSurvivalLinkup.
Thank you for sharing what God lays upon your heart, Bethany. I appreciate your faithfulness to Him. And, thank you for the wonderful links. 🙂
So glad, Cheryl! (And maybe Kevin?!) I’m thankful for you too!
This Bethany…this. “We don’t have to wear scarlet letters or spill our guts in unsafe relationships, but the Lord does ask us to call sin what it is. He calls us to expose our sin to the light of truth: Him.” YES!!!
Thank you for sharing this!
““When I focus on God (and not my problems), He changes everything. When I focus on the truth of His Word, I can believe that God loves me. When I focus on my failure, I question how anyone could love me.”
This is such truth!
Julie
Bethany, thank you for sharing these links. I love the different aspects of sin that are being discussed with grace and truth. And this line you shared: “He calls us to expose our sin to the light of truth: Him.” You’re right. At times, it’s hard to confess my sin because I don’t want to face censure. The great thing is, God is so quick to forgive. And yes, when we can expose our sins to His light, that’s when the forgiveness and healing can begin.
I’m grateful for all the links submitted to share, too, Jeanne! : ) I also don’t like the censure part, or the discipline part, or the shame that can come with identifying a sin. But Amen- His forgiveness and healing are things I never want to avoid!
What an amazing resource this is — like a directory of info. You’ve put so much work into this series, Bethany.
Everyone needs to develop relationships of accountability… people who we invite into our lives who will ask us hard questions. If we can learn to lower our defenses and allow these kinds of people into our most secret places, they will become TREASURES that will help us keep on the right path. thanks for all the links! great resources!
This is very good. This week I wrote on “found/freed/flourishing” kind of goes with your theme!!! Visiting from Crystal’s.
I’ll look it up, Susan : ) Thanks!
I hope my comment made it…?
Fantastic series, Bethany! Exposing the lies sin tells! We need to be aware and be prepared to cancel each lie with Truth! Love it and thank you for being a part of #MomentsofHope! You are a blessing!
Lori
Cancelling them out is a great way to phrase it, Lori! Thanks for hosting and encouraging!