CLEAR CONSCIENCE: THE FREEDOM OF A RIGHTEOUS HEART
Shortly after becoming a Christian, the Lord motivated me to do something that was life changing. He moved me to gain a clear conscience. It happened, after praying and fasting, I asked the Holy Spirit to show me everyone I had offended or defrauded. I then made a list of all the people and business where I needed to ask forgiveness and sometimes make restitution. Though it took me a while, when completed, it produced a liberating joy and a freedom that was surpassed only by my salvation.
What Is a Clear Conscience? It is “the inner knowledge that there is no wrong I’ve done to God or man that I have not sought, as far as it lies within me, to make right!” (Bill Elliff)
Why is this important? It is crucial because of guilt which is the emotional and spiritual weight of unresolved sin. It is the pain we carry when things are not right between us and God or between us and other people.
Therefore, we must maintain a clear conscience before God. This was Paul’s goal in Acts 24:16, “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man” (NIV).
How do we maintain a clear conscience before God? It comes only through a humble, honest, immediate, and complete confession of our sins before God (I Jn. 1:9) A righteous heart is not one that is perfect, but one that is cleansed and free before God.
We must also maintain a clear conscience before man. Jesus talked about the tremendous significance of this in Mt. 5:23-24: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (NIV). Jesus is speaking about things I have done, or that others think I have done, that have harmed them or hindered my relationship with them.
What are the benefits of having a clear conscience?
It gives us confidence in serving others. (2 Cor. 1:12)
It is the number one weapon next to faith to overcome Satan and temptation. (1 Tim. 1:18-19)
It provides freedom to share our faith with boldness. (1 Pet. 3:15-16)
It promotes health and physical well-being. (Ps. 32:1-4)
How Can I Gain a Clear Conscience?
List their offenses toward you. (Mt. 7:3,5)
List your offenses. (Ps. 139:23-24)
Purpose to ask forgiveness.
What would your life be like if you were free from offense?
