But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
When is the last time you had to admit fault in an argument? How did you do it? Many of us struggle to admit our fault in a situation. Even if we acted wrongly, we often judge ourselves based on our intentions while judging the actions of others. In this passage, we are reminded that we are responsible for our sin. Our desires often lead us away from God instead of moving toward Him. We may even accuse God before considering we are wrong in a situation. James spoke straightforwardly that we have to deal with our own hearts and admit our faults before God.
First John 1:8-10 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” Part of the Christian walk is regularly confessing our sin and running to God in confession. When we try to handle sin on our own or act like we have no sin, we make God out to be a liar and miss out on the grace and mercy He freely gives us.
- What is the hardest part about admitting you are wrong? Who is the easiest person to admit you are wrong to? Why?
- What situations have you tried to handle on your own? How can you see your own struggle with sin in that situation? What does it look like to move toward God in that temptation?
- Pray and confess any lingering sin before God.
