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I have a friend, and whenever they are exposed of doing something wrong, they immediately have an excuse. It took me some time to notice their behavior, their pattern. I’m not saying it’s sometimes, but it is all the time! I haven’t quite discovered their need to defend themselves, as I didn’t study psychology in depth, but I know there is something deep inside of them that projects this behavior, this need to defend themselves, to blame another or situation.

I, on the other hand, sometimes say, “I’m sorry” before my offense has even registered with an individual. The Holy Spirit brings conviction quickly to me, and I feel the need to ask God for forgiveness, soon! It is freeing to be able to say, “Guilty, as charged,” and to then take care of it.

One of the best things that came about from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was that the veil in the temple was ripped from top to bottom. What once separated us from going to God directly is gone because Jesus was a pure sacrifice for our sins.

Walking around with sin still attached to us can weigh us down and even bring depression. Charles Oswald put it like this:

“Whenever the Spirit of God detects something wrong, he doesn’t ask you to make it right; he asks you to accept the light so he can make it right. A child of the light confesses instantly and stands naked before God. A child of darkness is defensive and says, “Oh, I can explain that away.” When the light breaks and you feel convicted of having done wrong, be a child of the light. Confess, and God will deal with it. If you try to excuse or vindicate yourself, you will prove yourself a child of darkness.”

Some people are so perfect in their own minds that they will even try to stand before God and blame others for how they lived their lives. Spoiler alert: It won’t work! I tell my friend, “It’s okay to make mistakes. Notice I didn’t say, “Do wrong.” Then I tell them, “Just admit it, apologize, and ask God to forgive you, and then move on. No one will think badly of you. And if they do, then they have a problem.” Live in the light of forgiveness.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Rom. 8:1-2 (NIV)

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