Before we left for a camping trip, my boys wronged their dad. We left in two separate cars (the joys of having six kids and needing to pull a camper). The boys were with me, and the girls were with dad. At our first stop, the boys didn’t really talk to their dad at all. I could tell the separation and guilt of wronging dad was killing my boys.
Then my oldest sent his dad a text apologizing for wronging him and owning up to his mistake. Immediately, I could see relief as he dropped the burden of guilt and shame. And at the next stop, I visually saw a restored relationship.
What changed? My husband still loved his boys. My husband was still taking them on an adventure of a camping trip. They were still his sons, and he was still providing not only for their needs but for some fun too.
My son admitted his wrongdoing.
My son accepted the punishment. To his surprise- it was already paid.
Then he got to walk with his dad without the shame and guilt on the trip that was already planned.
This is such a good visual of what it looks like when we choose to walk with shame and guilt of our sins. Our sin separates us from God. Yes, He is still God. He still loves us. He still provides. But forgiveness is available. We weren’t meant to carry the burden of our sins. We were meant to give the Jesus. He already paid the price for our sins. All we have to do is admit we sinned and accept the free gift. Then walk with the Lord in freedom.
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9