I John 5:18 “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.”
Boy. At first glance, this verse could really make me doubt my status as God’s child. I know I mess up. Often. But John didn’t say that God’s children never sin. He said we don’t continue to sin.
We all sin, don’t we? Yet, those of us who are God’s children do not keep on and on in rebellion against God. In other words, when we, as children of God, mess up – and we all mess up, – we feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit. That conviction is really His loving arm, drawing us back, drawing us close to Him, drawing us to safety. For sin is destructive, and God doesn’t want to see us head down a destructive path. When we feel that conviction, John tells us that if we are truly God’s children, we will see our mistake and return to the safety of God’s umbrella.
Satan wants to claim rulership in this world, and indeed, God has allowed him to have limited control. But when we stay close to God, He will keep us safe from Satan’s destructive plans. Oh, we may get banged and bruised every now and then, for we live in this world, which is Satan’s domain. But rest assured, my friend, Satan cannot lay a finger on us without God’s permission. And God will keep us safe. We are his children. He loves us, and He will not see us destroyed.
Dear Father, Thank You for keeping me safe. When I mess up, please help me to quickly realize my mistake and return to You.
Amen
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