Considered Clear

For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 2 Corinthians 7:11 (New King James Version)

From time to time, God will allow a phrase from Scripture to jump out at me to clarify a point. It will usually have to do with something I have struggled to grasp and see clearly. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians was one of commendation for heeding his words in the first letter he sent. They took his rebuke to heart and sought change of their own heart and behavior. Hence, they proved themselves “clear in this matter.” THAT became God’s picture to me of forgiveness…..being made clear in a matter. To be considered innocent even though wrong doing and guilt had marked my path. To no longer live a life whereby I define myself by my past behavior.

Seeing my personal failure in an area often leaves me with shame and regret. Long after the issue has been “settled”, the voices in my head continue to scream accusations. There seems to be a persistent, “I am forgiven BUT….” feeling deep down inside my heart and mind. As a young Christian, this scenario played out over stuff I had done prior to salvation. It took years to gain a sense that I was clear. As an adult, I would look back at teaching experiences in the classroom and cringe at the way I handled situations. Once again, the sense of being clear took much time and God’s persistent work. Presently, the accusing voices still persist concerning a failed mentoring relationship. Each time I mentally kick myself it is evident I am not living with a sense of being clear in that matter.

God desires my freedom and acceptance of His truth about forgiveness even more than I desire them. He longs for me to embrace the reality of the clearing of a matter. As He said to Peter so He says to me, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean!” (Acts 11:9 NIV) and that includes the way I view myself. Freedom for me will come as I stop living under a sense of condemnation from myself or perceived condemnation from others, and start accepting the fact that God has cleared me in matters that have been confessed to Him. Each day becomes another opportunity to revel in His forgiveness rather than cower in old garments of regret that are no longer meant for me and never were meant for me.

May each of us take off the chains of past regret that Christ has already unlocked!

Father, help me to see what You see…..one who has been clear in a matter…. and to live like it! Amen.

Shackles (Praise You) - Mary Mary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ9XjqUaVZM&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.