“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
We might say, ‘what me sin?’ Here I am lying in bed or on my couch in pain. How could I possibly sin?
Some might feel that way at times. We have illnesses that take up so much of our time, that have drastically changed our lives. We are forced to do things differently and some things we can no longer do at all.
But yes, us, even us need this verse. We are not beyond the need of God’s forgiveness.
There are certainly times we do sin and might not even recognize it. Anger can be a sin. We might be jealous of those who are healthy. Perhaps we are impatient with others and feel that they are not responding to us quick enough and we harbor bad feelings towards them.
Or like something I have struggled with, unforgiveness toward others. It has been hard on me that so many, many times I have gotten involved with a group at church. Then my health stops me from participating and no one seems to notice I am gone. No one seems to care. And no even bothers to contact me in any way to say hello. See how I am, or if there is something they can do to help me.
I have had to forgive over and over. And still do. At times I have let that unforgiveness fester within me, then bitterness can come. We don’t want a root of bitterness to grow within us.
Having a chronic illness does not excuse us from sinning and needing God’s forgiveness.
So, what should we do? First we need to confess it (admit it to God), repent (turning away from it) and thank God for His forgiveness.
Once we have done that we need not dwell on it. We can rejoice in God’s grace.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice you made on the cross so that we can be forgiven.
About the Author
CarolAnn Adams, who lives in Ohio has had chronic illness for most of 15 years. She had been active in many church ministries, but is no longer able to. So she ministers to others through writing a blog, devotionals and listening to and encouraging others with chronic illnesses.
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 