The Glory of Love

“You’re only as sick as your secrets,” said a man in our Saturday morning men’s group.

I am amazed by the love these guys have for each other. First-timers feel so safe they open up and share their burdens, and if needed, confess their sins. It’s beautiful …and much wanted.

“When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.” Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭3‬ ‭

My sin makes me sick, for it causes me to “fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

Man was made to display the glory of God—to shine with His love—to show the world His goodness through our words and actions.

God is most glorified in us when we love one another as He loved us.

Jesus made that clear when He prayed for His followers:

“I have given them the glory You gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent me and that You love them as much as You love me.” John‬ ‭17‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭

Did you catch that? Jesus gives us His glory, and describes it as Him, living His life through us—or as Paul said,“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ ‭

Jesus prayed that His glory inside us would produce perfect unity—so perfect that when unbelievers see our deep love for each other, they will believe Christ was sent from God, and that Father loves them as much as He loves His Son. Amazing!

Unconfessed sin prevents this all from happening.

Our men’s group is committed to obeying James 5:16. “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

When we confess our sins to another, we take the risk of being judged and loved less. Thankfully, I’ve seen just the opposite happen. When a brother trusts me enough to confess his sin, my love and respect for him increases.

When we humble ourselves, God exalts us, not only in His eyes, but in the eyes of those who love Him.

It’s natural to want to hide our sin. Confession doesn’t always come easy, but it’s essential. For we truly are … only as sick as our secrets.

Do you have a friend you can be totally transparent with—someone who understands God’s amazing grace? There is nothing you have done that can diminish Father’s love for you. He loves you as much as He loves Jesus!

When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. That’s why Jesus died on the cross.

Yes. That’s the story of … that’s the glory of love!

“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭