Spaghetti Stains

 

by Kendra-Cameron Jarvis

As far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:12 NIV

Has your mom ever tried to remove a spaghetti stain? A big red blotch on the front of your best shirt is almost impossible to remove. She sprays, scrubs, rubs, and sprays some more, then pops the stained clothing into the washer and turns the dial to scorching hot. You pray the stain comes out.

Isn’t it reassuring to know we don’t have to go through these rituals to have our sins forgiven? God made it easy. Close your eyes, sincerely say you are sorry, and repent.

Repent means to turn away. When you repent, you are actually telling God you are turning in the opposite direction of your sin and you will try to sin no more.

My daughter’s favorite meal is spaghetti.”Use your napkin at the dinner table instead of your shirt,” I remind her. But I know I’ll be spraying, scrubbing, and rubbing away the stain afterwards.

Our sins are like stains. Perhaps you have a bad habit — something you do without thinking. Is there something you feel powerless to fight against like cheating or lying?

Whatever your sin is, know God is bigger. A spaghetti stain is difficult to remove, but it can be cleaned. Sin may be just as difficult to remove, but I assure you, God can help.

Don’t let the stain of sin ruin your life. Instead, ask God to wash you clean. I promise you will never be the same.

Kendra Cameron Jarvis is a busy wife, mother of an active three year old, and a National Board Certified teacher.  Stop by her blog, A Busy Woman’s Life for daily devotions.