Digging Deeper: Clear Your Conscience

Have you ever done something you definitely thought twice about—but did it anyway? A choice where your conscience immediately stepped in moments after you made the decision, and you instantly felt guilt? That’s how I imagine Pilate felt moments after he handed Jesus over to the Roman soldiers. He knew Jesus was innocent, yet he gave in to the peer pressure of the crowd and surrendered His life.

In our daily lives, we are all faced with choices—sometimes making the right decision, other times making slightly wrong ones.

Perhaps our decisions aren’t as momentous as Pilate’s, but often, we make choices knowing they go against what we believe and what we know to be true. We say things we know we shouldn’t. Instead of being peacemakers, we engage in gossip at work. Maybe the sin you’re struggling with feels heavier than gossip. Owning up to your guilt and asking for forgiveness is a powerful step toward healing, recognizing the truth in Romans 3:23: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”

This verse reminds us that no one is perfect—we all make mistakes that separate us from God. Yet, in acknowledging where we fall short, we open the door to His grace and mercy. By humbling ourselves, seeking forgiveness, and sincerely repenting, we find peace and restoration. Forgiveness not only restores our relationship with God but also lifts the burden of guilt from our hearts.

I pray that as you begin your week, you continue an open dialogue with God—admitting your wrongs and walking in the truth that His forgiveness is real. I pray you’re reminded that through God’s love and grace, we don’t have to carry the weight of our failures alone. He offers us forgiveness and the chance to start over.