No Secrets

Year 6 - Day 207: Today, I am grateful for a love with no secrets.

Honesty... even when unpopular... is still the best approach to any situation. It should not be intentionally unkind... Paul said to "speak the truth in love"... but truth hidden is eventually revealed. Honesty upfront can prevent deeper wounds and woes later. It is why the Lord told Moses to tell the people to "Donnot bear false witness.". In today's language, "Don't lie." 

Lies damage relationships deeper than most things. It is why it makes God's big ten list of "dos and don'ts". Those six commandments that God gave us to help us live better with others... they don't just hurt the other person. They wound our spirits, too. 

Here is a big truth: not only does God know our secrets and our shame... he knows all of our hiding places. 

"There is something so liberating in knowing that there is no secret sin, shame, or regulation that has sway over you. It is very empowering when you realize that God knows even the darkest secrets and broken rules and yet still openly declares His love over you." - Lisa Bevere, Lioness Arising

I've mentioned often that one of my favorite verses in recent years comes from Genesis. Adam and Eve are hiding, caught in the reality that they messed up, but naked. 

“Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” -Genesis 3:11

He already knew the answers. He's God. He asked because they needed to come clean. Their souls needed confession and forgiveness. Major mess up for the humans! His love was deep and wide and ready to help them manage the mess. 

They received consequences, but even in His discipline, God granted them gifts. Yes, childbirth hurts, but is there a greater joy than a baby in your arms? A man's job is obviously work, but it is also rewarding and fulfilling. People that find a work they love to do, love doing it for as long as they can. I cannot help but savor the truth that God's love for us is not declared when we achieve perfection, but when we are a hot mess. 

He sees beauty in the ashes. He sheds light into our dark places and illuminates our lives when we offer them up in the daily sacrifice of obedient living. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it. 

This world is full of lies. Turn on the TV and watch a few commercials and you will be inundated with them. Look at the tabloids, the ads and the stories. Telling the truth is kind of a secret weapon. Unexpected this day in age. We need the full armor of God: 

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. -Ephesians 1:13-17

Talk about dressed for success! The belt of truth, the shield of faith, the peace that comes from the Good News and the shield of faith against flaming arrows. He sees us... naked. He loves us in our messes. He guards and protects us for the sake of our souls. 

An unconditional love with no secrets is a powerful love. It is available to all who confess, believe, repent and receive. (Romans 10:9) 

Today, I am grateful for a love with no secrets.