Past

I love this old photograph of my father and his sister.

What lies in the past?

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NKJV — Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

Often, it holds regret, shame, and always sin.

“It’s only a white lie…”

“Well, it was just a one time thing…”

“I’m only hurting myself…”

Sin hides beneath falsehood.

Marring each person’s heart.

And sin never hurts only one person.

Instead sin causes a rippling of consequences which can cause harm for generations.

Jesus bore every painful bitter sin upon the cross.

Your sin.

My sin.

1 Peter 2:24 NKJV — who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

But He did it, that we might live for righteousness.

Because the list of those who won’t inherit the kingdom of heaven is only part of the truth.

1 Corinthians 6:11 NKJV And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Jesus is the only One Who can cleanse our past and heal our hurt.

Because sin always brings pain.

But Jesus brings salvation.

Whatever your past might hold, relinquish it into the hands of the Lord Jesus and let His truth set you free.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You for going through the pain and suffering of the cross to provide freedom from sin and eternal separation from You. Lord, there are so many ways we try to forget or hide from the past, when You paid for it already. Lord, please heal those who are hurting. Let forgiveness and trust replace shame and fear. Lord, let our hearts be humble before You that we might freely lift up those things which cause us anxiety, pain, grief, and suffering. Lord, thank You for loving each one of us. Thank You for being our salvation. Thank You for paying the price. I love You, Lord. Amen.