Forgive my hidden faults. Psalm 19:12
Comparatively few are guilty of glaring sins such as murder, robbery, adultery, or embezzlement. But what about the hidden sins, the so-called flaws, which many of us may deem unimportant?
Just how unimportant is a flaw? Is it unimportant in the giant steel cables that are designed to give strength to the bridge they support? in a balance sheet? in a precious stone?
Suppose there had been a flaw in Jesus. Would we have a Savior from sin? Would we have peace with God? Would we have the certain hope of life eternal? The answer is "no" to every question.
If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit there are flaws in us. Are they really unimportant to our families? Let husbands and wives answer that question. Let children be our judge. Do these flaws seem insignificant to those who work at our side? Let those who suffer from our impatience and stubbornness answer. Let those who put up with our thoughtlessness speak up. Do these flaws limit our usefulness and hurt our effectiveness?
It is little things that tear marriage to pieces. Talking and talking when there ought to be silence. Brutal silence when there ought to be words of encouragement and cheer. The pinpricks, the constant needling, the maddening irritations -- these are dangerous flaws.
We certainly have a need to pray, "Forgive my hidden faults." In Jesus we have forgiveness through His death for sins such as these.
PRAYER: Lord, forgive us our flaws and by Your grace enable us to overcome them; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
(Devotions from "The Abundant Life" copyright 1998, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time e-mailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)
Today's Bible Readings: 1 Chronicles 17-19 1 Corinthians 13
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