Day 33 – Clear Conscience Christianity

We cannot be right with God and not be right with others.

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister” (1 John 4:20-21).

Do you have a broken or strained relationship with any other person? When you think about that person or when you see that person, do you struggle with hurt feelings, a critical spirit, a desire for revenge, anger, a grudge, unresolved conflict, bitterness, keeping score?

When we are living in daily fellowship with God, we seek to mend these broken relationships. Through Christ’s help, we replace bitterness, grudges, a critical spirit, anger, and conflict with genuine love, forgiveness, humility, and oneness with others.

When you have a clear conscience, if somebody gossips about you, lies about you, or curses you, it doesn’t stick. You know before God and within yourself the truth.

When you have a clear conscience, nobody is able to point a finger at you and accuse you of wrongs toward them that you have never made right.

But when you have a guilty conscience, you’re wondering if your past will come back to haunt you. You wonder if so-and-so is going to announce to the world the wrong you’ve said or done.

Adam and Eve had a guilty conscience. So when God came walking into the garden, they hid themselves. They were afraid and felt shame before God.

I’ve sought to maintain a clear conscience with others. I’ve written letters of apology. I’ve asked for forgiveness more times than I can remember.

I’ve said the ten hardest words in the English language: “I am sorry. I was wrong. Will you forgive me?”

I’ve humbled myself and accepted responsibility for my share of the blame without expecting that the other person would admit their share of the blame.

“So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man” (Acts 24:16). Short accounts with God and short accounts with others – a clear conscience is the softest pillow and the greatest armor!

Prayer Action Step: “Lord, I want to have a conscience that is clear toward every person I know. Please reveal to me any issues I need to resolve with others and, by your grace, I will do whatever you show me I need to do to make these matters right. Amen.”

This is God’s Word for you today,
Pastor Dave