Sins are like Scarlet Stains – 2MefromHim Devotionals
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18
Sins are like Scarlet Stains
2MefromHim Devotionals
Scarlet stains
Sins are like scarlet stains. Relationships were broken, and I needed to forgive and be forgiven. Instead of meeting with grateful hearts, I sat astounded while I learned of a deep desire to hurt me and surprise that I believed they needed forgiveness. These revelations startled and hurt. Yes, the images in this blog are ugly but sin is uglier still.
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... #devotional #anger #hurt Share on XStains require forgiveness
Multiple relationships suffered incredible harm. Through prayer, God convinced me to seek forgiveness for my own angry words. I also needed to forgive those who wounded me. I determined to pray for someone who needed to hurt others and for one who failed to recognize their wrongs. We all mess up. As Christians, we must seek forgiveness daily. Sin leaves scarlet stains.
Sometimes we just don’t get along with someone, that person who rubs us the wrong way, those we tiptoe around hoping not to offend. I’ve been blessed to have very few people I couldn’t get along with, both when I worked outside the home, and in over 21 years as a women’s Bible study leader. People will wound us, however, our loving God wants to blot out scarlet stains, heal broken relationships, and make them stronger than before.
I prayed and agonized over the growing antagonism for years. The conversations left me shaken and hurt. But God is faithful, once I sought forgiveness for my wrongs, I gained the assurance that God was pleased. Ephesians 4:31-32 admonishes us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
We aren’t responsible for other’s actions
As I prayed about these broken and scarlet-stained bonds, I realized that my heart wasn’t the only one broken. God’s heart was broken too. Therefore, it was necessary to surrender my hurt to the Lord, and trust Him to heal in His time and way. Praying for those who hurt me heals, frees, strengthens, and gives me victory. I am only responsible for my actions, not those of others.
Praying for those who hurt me heals, frees, strengthens, and gives me victory... #prayer #enemies #healing Share on XIf I have stains, I have to act
When the Holy Spirit convicted me about my own angry words and actions, I had to swallow my pride and take the first step. I determined to act in obedience to the Lord and forgive those who wronged me. It was necessary to willingly forgive others, whether or not they saw the need. My prayers resulted in a heart willing to forgive, though it is a moment by moment choice. When I obey, God washes my sins and makes them white as snow.
I am only responsible for my actions, not those of others... #responsibility #actions #victory Share on X© Copyright by Norma Gail Holtman, January 30, 2020
Norma Gail is the author of Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. The sequel, Within Golden Bands, will release in 2020. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 43 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
