One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him — and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:15-18)
Several years ago, a young mother found her son in his sister’s room, eating a chocolate teddy bear she’d received as a gift.
Backing against the wall like a cornered criminal, the boy knew he could not hide the guilt on his chocolate smeared face! He sobbed his sorrow, but his mother insisted he confess to his sister.
The sister was still in school. So, the hours until she came home magnified the boy’s dread of facing her. When she finally arrived at home, the boy’s pent-up anxiety exploded. He ran to his sister’s arms and blurted out in tears, “Oh, Sally, I am so sorry I ate your chocolate teddy bear.”
The sister could have been upset, but she used the opportunity to love up her little brother. She took him in her arms, kissed him, and told him she would always love him. At that point, the boy’s anxious crying turned to joyous laughter. He thanked his sister, hugging her with all his strength.
Likewise, when we confess our sins with genuine sorrow, yet receive the wonder of God’s gracious pardon with thanksgiving, then the joy of the Lord becomes our strength.
Prayer:
Lord, I confess that I am guilty of sin, both in what I do and what I fail to do. Thank you for gracious love that relieves my anxious spirit and gives me renewed strength through the joy of your embrace!