Keep A Short Account

Scripture

"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. -Acts 3:19

Oftentimes we hold on to our transgressions because of guilt and the feeling of unworthiness to even repent. I used to think, "Well, I meant to do that, so it seems hypocritical now." Warped logic, I know, but somehow I had convinced myself that if I meant to do it, it would be wrong to repent. That's exactly what the adversary wanted me to think. The longer we stay in an unrepentant state, the more we condemn ourselves and hide from God. We hold on to things that others have done because we feel justified in doing it. They wronged us and broke the fellowship, so we have a right to feel hurt. Something changed as I matured and grew in stature with the Lord. It is vital that I keep short accounts with Him. I can't have any outstanding unrepentance nor unforgiveness in my heart. 

Unrepentance causes separation from God and a hardened heart. It will lead to bondage of condemnation and inner turmoil. Unforgiveness blocks our prayers, hinders our relationship with God, and also causes inner turmoil. Unforgiveness will taint our witness and stop the flow of God's grace in our lives. Ultimately, both of these conditions pull us away from the Father. God desires that we grow in continuous fellowship with Him and we mature in our faith. Keeping a short account will ensure that we do that. Keeping a short account means that we quickly repent of our sins and continuously ask the Holy Spirit to examine our inner lives, motives, and anxieties to reveal any harmful, offensive, and wicked ways. David asked God, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting". (Psalm 139:23-24). It means we are quick to forgive others knowing that our Father in heaven will forgive us. (Matthew 6:14-15).

Keep a short account with God, Beloved. Let go of everything so that you can continue on your journey with grace and peace. Consider this scriptural truth, God has foreknowledge of you and based on that foreknowledge, He predestined you. (1 Peter 1:2). If He knew you and prescribed your path before time began, don't you think He knew you were going to sin? Don't you  think He knew that you would be wronged by others? Nothing about our lives leaves Him scrambling. Whatever condemnation and unforgiveness you've been carrying, Beloved, repent and let it go. Keep your account short, move forward in Him.

Prayer,

Father, we repent of our sins and forgive those who have hurt us. We let go of the pain and condemnation and walk in freedom in you. In Jesus name, Amen.