![](\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjcmm0NIG9L55Drx80tgVlqYqWLnIfhiSY-nbJUA0GAMGOwYQyjA5bdzr940nNixAbVXprTjl3GXMuAz1GVc2hxTzzFpzcSaYtY_2zyHhYHlY2bbYoTfYV1I6nhZIa49iQq3jGwZVBD4XFJiP8AZsntMlgh5tqEcxmdx3phqCJ_S_tV-GOB5vCr09e8KVg\/w320-h400\/JENIFER.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\n“I couldn’t tithe, I needed to pay this bill.” “I needed that drink, I was so stressed out.” “She gossiped about me first, so I am going to gossip about her.” “My husband is being a jerk so it’s okay to disrespect him.” “The clerk gave me too much change back but it was only a couple of dollars, no but deal.” “I have to yell, I am so mad at these kids.” Excuses, excuses.<\/p>\n
God already knows. He sees our actions. He hears our words. He knows our thoughts. There is absolutely nothing we can conceal from Him. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to hand God empty excuses. Instead, when we acknowledge our sin to God, just like the officer when I was pulled over, He extends beautiful grace.<\/p>\n
Then I acknowledged my sin to You<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
and did not conceal my iniquity. I said,<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI will confess my transgressions to the Lord,\u201d<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Psalm 32:5 CSB<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
When we are struggling, we need to turn it over to God. “God, I can’t afford this bill right now, but I don’t want to skip my tithe so I will pay You first. Please provide for my needs and help me to trust You.” “God, she gossiped about me and it is untruth and hurts. Help the truth to come to light and help me to extend grace and kindness even though I was wronged.”<\/p>\n
And when we sin, we need to seek repentance. “God, I disrespected my husband. Please forgive me and help me to be a kind and respectful wife to him at all times.” “God, the clerk gave me too much money. Forgive me for taking it and be with me as I return it now.”<\/p>\n
When we seek God through the struggle and for repentance, He is faithful to forgive us from our sin and cleanse us from unrighteousness.<\/p>\n
If we confess our sins, He is faithful<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
and\u00a0righteous to forgive us our sins and<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
to\u00a0cleanse us from all unrighteousness.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
1 John 1:9 CSB<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Excuses don’t work with the police officer handing you a speeding ticket, and they don’t work with God. Instead, we need to admit our sins and struggles and turn them over to God in repentance. Thankfully, we can trust that God will forgive us every time.<\/p>\n
Discussion:
1. Think of a time you have been offered grace. Maybe my a police officer, boss, spouse, or friend.\u00a0
2. Now think of a time you have been offered grace by God. We are undeserving of grace, but God’s grace is so sweet. Thank God for His grace and repent of any unconfessed sin you have.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhk3e8l4s2J3iMDv_7M4P0Aw3Kjglf7m0ibMulEcfIMDBP9l8yVYgI9nbjOVzNezL5oxMekw4uDD2dOJF_3q3sLSrSR23BOr5cgjEvRgB1HU6qHXIX1jPOQO4HOiG_bQy7q7x0ES10jc3F6pltXqIC4O5uBRrbZkiAbKjWwTdDlSq8ZhxO85ykhE2VhHcs\/s1600\/1%20(2).png\")
<\/a><\/div>\n