Return to Jehovah/PART FOUR: Guilt-"Cleanse Me From My Sin"

"My new job improved our family's standard of living, but it also led me into all sorts of questionable activities. I began to celebrate holidays, to participate in political events, and even to attend church. I was inactive as one of Jehovah's Witnesses for 409 years. The more time that went by, the more I thought I was beyond Jehovah's forgiveness. I felt that I couldn't forgive myself. After all, I knew the truth before I headed down the wrong path."-Martha.

GUILT can be a crushing burden.  "My errors loom over my head," King David wrote.  "Like a heavy burden they are too much for me to bear."  (Psalm 38:4)   Some Christians have become overwhelmed by excessive sadness, convinced that Jehovah could never forgive them.  (2 Corinthians 2:7) Is that conclusion right?  Even if you have committed grievous sins, are you so far removed from Jehovah that he will never forgive you? No, you are not!

"Let Us Set Matters Straight Between Us" 

Jehovah does not  abandon repentant sinners.  In fact, he reaches out to them!  In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus compared Jehovah to a loving father whose son abandoned his family and pursued a debauched life. In time, the son decided to return home.  "While [the son] was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and embrace him and tenderly kissed him."  (Luke 15:11-20)  Do you wish to draw closer to Jehovah but feel that you are "still a long way off" from him?  Like the father in Jesus' illustration,  Jehovah is moved with tender compassion for you.  He is eager to welcome you back.

But what if you believe that your sins are too serious or too numerous for Jehovah to forgive? Please consider Jehovah's invitation recorded at Isaiah 1:18: "Come, now, and let us set matters straight between us,' says Jehovah. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be made white as snow."   Yes, even sins that seem as indelible as scarlet dye on a white garment are not beyond Jehovah's forgiveness.

Jehovah does not want you to keep suffering with a guilty conscience. How, then, can you experience the relief that comes from God's forgiveness and a clean conscience? Consider two steps that King David took. First, he said: "I will confess my transgressions to Jehovah."  (Psalm 32:5)  Remember, Jehovah has already invited you to approach him in prayer and to "set matters straight" with him. Accept that invitation.  Confess your sins to Jehovah, and share your feelings with him.   From personal experience, David could confidently pray:  "Cleanse me from my sin. . . . A heart broken and crushed , O God, you will not reject." -Psalm 51:2, 17. 

Second, David received help from God's appointed representative, the prophet Nathan.  (2 Samuel 12:13) Today, Jehovah has provided congregation elders who have been trained to help repentant sinners restore their friendship with Jehovah. When you approach the elders, they will use the Scriptures and offer heartfelt prayers to heal you spiritually. -James 5:14-16. 

Next time: "Happy Is the One Whose Transgression Is Pardoned"

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