How Must I React to My Sin?

How Must I React to My Sin?

Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

Today’s big question: how must I react to my sin?

I have watched as my mother lost her husband and one of her sons. Perhaps the sorrow of a loved one's death never goes away in this world. Perhaps she will always mourn these losses. When grief like this comes, I don't think you get over it with a pat on the back and someone telling you, “It will all be better soon.”

The first beatitude brings us to a place of spiritual bankruptcy when we acknowledge the depravity of our condition in the light of a holy God. We are without excuse, and we have no way out in our own strength. The great thing about these beatitudes is that He attached hope to every one of them. Spiritual poverty leads to His kingdom. Spiritual mourning leads to eternal comfort. But what is this mourning?

King David provides us with a great example. After committing adultery with Bathsheba and trying to cover it up by murdering her husband, David's sin was exposed by God through Nathan the prophet. David was devastated by his sin and he pled for the mercy of God.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight—that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when Your judge. (Psalm 51:1–4)

The first step of true mourning is to understand our need to completely depend upon Jesus. No matter who we sin against, our sin is ultimately directed against God, so we must deliver our pleas to Him. Thankfully, God is merciful, and His mercy is limitless and everlasting. He desires to give mercy, and He patiently waits to give it. What comfort this is to the mourner! Cast your cares upon God because He cares.

God's mercy in the Cross of Christ is a total and fulfilling mercy, and His comfort is everlasting. God's mercy and wrath are displayed in the Cross, but Christ has taken the wrath on Himself, and He grants His mercy to all who repent and trust in Him. The response to sin in our life must surely be to plead for His mercy—the all-comforting mercy found in the completed work of Christ.

Today's big idea: sin should bring us to our knees before our Creator—the one against whom we have sinned.

What to pray: confess your sin to the Lord and take comfort in His mercy.