Today we are talking about the habit of telling the truth to God.

 

A lifelong habit you will learn to cultivate and practice as a follower of Jesus is this habit of telling the truth to God. Great news! You do not have to hide the truth, adjust the truth, dress up the truth so it looks better, or avoid the truth altogether. No, you are invited to practice the life-giving habit of telling the truth to God.

 

Why? When you do, you continue to experience the full forgiveness and the help of God. God is faithful to both forgive and purify.

 

Look at today's verse 1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

 

It’s a great verse to memorize!

 

Hiding, avoiding, downplaying, lying, manipulating, those do not serve you well. They leave you stuck or disconnected or leave you wrestling this unwinnable fight on your own. There is a better way, and it's a way to forgiveness and fresh starts that Jesus offers.

 

So why hide when you can be purified?

Time and time again.

 

What does this habit of telling the truth to God look like?

It looks like talking with God honestly about what's true in your life.

Remember confession means to tell the truth.

 

So when you're afraid of how it's all going to come together in your marriage or in your relationships or in your schoolwork or in your job projects…

Confess that. Tell God the truth.

 

When it seems like everything is depending on you and the pressure is intense.

Confess that. Tell God the truth.

 

When you keep craving or indulging in things that are other than God's best.

Confess that. Tell God the truth.

 

When you're avoiding God's way altogether.

Confess that. Tell God the truth.

 

You are no longer stuck wrestling this unwinnable fight because here's what's true: honesty with God opens up a renewed connection with God. Don't you want that? The goodness and mercy of God continues to invite you to be honest with him, and to follow him.

 

Remember when you crave renewed connection, tell God the truth.

When you find yourself wrestling with sin, shortcomings or wrong. Tell God the truth.

He promises to listen to forgive and to purify because He loves you and He has a purpose for you to follow him today.

 

Will you choose to tell the truth to God and follow Jesus? Telling the Truth to God is a habit you'll come back to and practice time and time again in your life of faith.

 

If you'd like more, read Psalm 32.

 

See you tomorrow for more in our series “I said “Yes!” to Jesus, now what?!”