Danny Fourie

When I kept silent [about my sins], my bones wasted away … Then I acknowledged my sin to you.  Psalm 32:2,5

The Bible does not speak very encouraging about us as human beings. Listen to this: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.”(Romans 3:11-12)

Sin is something deep within us; it is part of our fibre. When do we discover that we are sinners? When we experience God's love and holiness. Repentance is not something that comes naturally for us. In principle we do not want to know that we are sinners. It is only when we come to know God that we develop a sense of sin.

Someone asked if a conviction and knowledge of your sin might lead to a state of depression? No, it is rather true that the more you discover your own sin and shortcomings, the bigger your gratitude towards God that you are his child.

When you look at yourself and see that you are sinful, you want to say, “But I am not worthy of God’s love! My life is in many ways so wrong and in many instances I fail as a person. I could be a better person, how is it possible that God still bears with me? How is it possible that he sacrificed his Son on a cross for me? Is God not great and gracious – that despite my sin and iniquities he still holds me as his child?

Through realizing that you are a sinner, it helps you ultimately to worship and praise God for his grace. In the light of your sins you will be more thankful to God for being his child. A sense of sin does not lead to depression, but rather to a deeper joy because of God's love for you.

Prayer: Help me Lord to realize that I am a sinner and to confess my sins and wrongdoings. Thank you that you are so good to take me as your child despite my sin. Amen