Have You Ever Been "On the Run" About Your Sin?
Let’s be honest—at some point, we’ve all been on the run. Not necessarily running physically, but trying to escape the guilt, shame, or consequences of something we’ve done. Mistakes, whether small or big, can leave us feeling like we’re trapped in a horror story of our own making. But here’s the truth: there’s hope, and there’s grace.
The Bible is filled with stories of people who struggled with sin, guilt, and betrayal. One of the most infamous examples is Judas Iscariot. Judas wasn’t just a disciple of Jesus—he was the treasurer, the man entrusted with managing their finances. He must have been meticulous, counting coins, tracking expenses, and ensuring their needs were met. But somewhere along the way, Judas allowed greed and bitterness to take root in his heart.
A Heart Divided
While Jesus was showing compassion, healing the sick, feeding thousands, and giving freely to those in need, Judas seemed to struggle with the idea of generosity. Perhaps he thought Jesus’ constant giving was reckless. Maybe he felt the weight of responsibility to ensure they had enough for tomorrow. But Judas missed the bigger picture: Jesus wasn’t limited by earthly resources. When He fed the multitudes with just a few loaves and fish (Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 15:32-39), He demonstrated that God’s provision is boundless.
Instead of trusting Jesus, Judas saw an opportunity to profit. For thirty pieces of silver, he betrayed the Son of God—the One who came to save him. In the garden, Judas identified Jesus with a kiss, leading the Pharisees to arrest Him. That act of betrayal set in motion events that would lead to Jesus’ crucifixion—the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
The Weight of Regret
Judas didn’t anticipate the crushing guilt that would follow. Watching Jesus suffer and die must have shattered him. In anguish, he tried to return the silver to the Pharisees, but it was too late. Overcome by remorse, Judas ended his life. His story is a sobering reminder of how sin can consume us when we don’t turn to God for forgiveness and redemption.
A Message of Hope
But here’s the good news: Jesus’ death wasn’t the end of the story. It was the beginning of redemption for all who believe. Romans 3:23-24 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” No matter how far we’ve fallen, God’s grace is greater.
We don’t have to live in guilt or shame. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paid the price for our sins—past, present, and future. When we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Psalm 103:12 reminds us, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
Forgiving Yourself
One of the hardest things to do is to forgive ourselves. We can carry guilt for years, allowing it to weigh us down and hinder our walk with God. But remember, if God has forgiven you, who are you to hold onto what He has already released? Isaiah 1:18 declares, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Moving Forward
Life is full of mistakes—we’re human, after all. But when we surrender our lives to Jesus, we gain access to His unlimited grace and forgiveness. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Let go of the past and embrace the future God has for you.
A Call to Action
If you’re carrying guilt or running from your mistakes, stop and turn to Jesus. He’s waiting with open arms, ready to forgive, restore, and renew you. His love is greater than your sin, and His grace is sufficient for every need. Take comfort in His promise in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Let today be the day you stop running and start resting in His grace. Whatever you’ve done, wherever you’ve been, God’s love is bigger than your failures. Come to Him, confess your sins, and let Him transform your life. You are never too far gone for His redemption.
God bless you,
Dozie Moneme