Burdens, Galatians 6:2

I'm not looking for a clearer conscience

Peace of mind after what I've been through

And before we talk of any repentance

Try walking in my shoes

Try walking in my shoes

You'll stumble in my footsteps

Keep the same appointments I kept

If you try walking in my shoes

If you try walking in my shoes

Try walking in my shoes

(Depeche Mode:  Walking in my Shoes)

Just because you sin differently than me doesn't make you better.  Just because you worship differently than me doesn't make you right.  This song was written about having understanding and empathy.  Two things that I believe the body of Christ fails to have today in certain situations.   The body of Christ would do well to remember Ecclesiastes 7:20, Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who always does good and who never sins. We also forget 1 John 1:9, If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].

None of us worship the same way but that does not make one of us wrong and another right (Romans 14). Let’s not forget the benefits of coming to God for His grace and mercy.  Let’s not forget the benefits of being blessed by Him and us blessing Him with our praise.  The benefits that we so happen to take for granted and assume that only we are allowed them.  The benefits of Him saving us from ourselves on the daily, after we have tested His lovingkindness and mercy (Psalms 103:2-5). 

We are called to carry one another's burdens and called to seek and ask for forgiveness. Gahan in this instance is confessing but at the same time asking that you “try walking in his shoes”.  That you would carry his burden for once so that you would understand where he’s coming from.  So you could understand what and why he did or has done what he did.  He wants you to know the reasons why.  Though we don’t need to know, that usually comes with the territory of confessing.  Gahan isn’t asking for absolution, yes, we need to, and we are supposed to but from the right source. And, this is where praying for your fellow brother or sister in Christ comes into play.(Galatians 6:2 & James 5:16)

No one should be looking for absolution from you or from the world because only true absolution comes from God, everything or anything else is conditional and counterfeit.  He is not. His forgiveness is free, unconditional and forever. 

#prodigalpastor #devotional #burdens #forgiveness #pray #Christ #depechemode #worship