“If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:6-7

“This isn’t you. What you’re doing and what you’re thinking doesn’t fit with who I created you to be.”

Though it wasn’t audible, I heard it loud and clear. The Holy Spirit spoke to me at the height of my spiritual rebellion. For quite a few years, although I went through the motions of living a Christian life, I had slowly made certain concessions. I bartered with myself and with God about what I could get away with to still live guilt-free. My discontent festered; my critical spirit towards church grew.

I claimed to know God, but I walked in darkness.

It was during this moment, in this Holy Spirit stirring, that I recognized exactly how far I was from my Creator. And I knew I had to make a choice: do I continue living my life of half-truths, or am I all in?

It’s probably obvious that I chose the latter. In the weeks that followed, my resistance towards church softened. In fact, I gravitated towards it. I wanted to grow in my faith and to be part of the community like never before. 1 John 1:7 was my lived experience. Once I fully embraced my life in Christ and started walking in the light, I lived in solidarity with my fellow believers.

And—the most amazing part!—the blood of Jesus, His Son, purified me from all sin. I was restored, made clean. Pure.

Dear Jesus, thank You that You’re in the restoration business, that You shine light onto the darkest parts of ourselves to bring healing and cleansing. May we continue to walk in Your light and truth, and live in freedom and harmony with those around us. Amen.

Take Action

Are you going through the motions of living a Christian life, but your heart isn’t fully in it? Ask God for forgiveness, and allow Him to transform your life and attitude. Then, share your struggle with someone at your church. Allow God to use this experience to speak into someone else’s life.

Do you have a heart to follow God, but find it hard to see past a painful issue you are facing? Check out our series: Broken but Blessed.



Tags: restored confession