Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” (John 4:39)
a church IN DENVER occasionally records the testimonies of its members to encourage people in their faith. During one of these presentations, the church’s janitor, Ned, talked about a conversation he had with his adult daughter. During that discussion, he tried to convince her that, overall, he has been a pretty good dad. “No,” she replied. “Most of time you are either drunk or locked up.” This jolted Ned, who realized at that moment that he needed to be reconciled with God, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, get his life back on track. To God’s glory, he did that very thing and is able to talk without lingering shame about the past from which God delivered him.
The woman at the well proclaimed to her neighbors, “He told me everything I ever did” (John 4:39). She had been freed from the shame of her past because she had experienced the grace and forgiveness of God. She was so overwhelmed by Jesus’ compassion that she could not keep it to herself. Almost immediately, she told others what had happened with great conviction and enthusiasm.
Like Ned, when we finally come to terms with the damage our harmful words and actions have caused, we can finally find freedom through forgiveness and be unshackled from the paralyzing shame that often accompanies unconfessed sin.
Confess your sins to God and embrace the freedom He offers.
Doug Schmidt is a freelance content developer living in Denver. His favorite thing to do is to sit in comfortable chairs and “download the day” with his wife.
