Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. – Ephesians 5:25-26

Scripture reading: Ephesians 5

There is no sin that puts us beyond the reach of the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Martin Luther once said, “We are not to look upon our sins as insignificant trifles. On the other hand, we are not to regard them as so terrible that we must despair.” Preach the good news to your own broken heart 100 times a day. Do not turn away from Christ, but towards Him in solemn repentance and fervent hope.

The Song of Solomon is most definitely a marvelous picture of human love in all of its realms; its description of holy sexual love is not easy dinnertime reading. But it also serves as a picture of Christ’s love and affection for His church. The entire Bible can be seen as the Heavenly Bridegroom’s pursuit of His Bride. Do you see His love for her, His desire for her welfare, His pleasure in her response, His devotion to her joy and future?

Sexual sin is partnered with shame and thus is often left in the shadows, where it feels like there is no help or hope. But Jesus Christ pursued death on the cross for sexual sinners, to remove shame and guilt, to break the hold that lust has on so many. This is the great hope for all of us, and the hope we hold out to a world that is so broken.

Suggestions for prayer

“May I never forget that Thou hast my heart in Thy hands. Apply to it the merits of Christ’s atoning blood whenever I sin. Let Thy mercies draw me to Thyself.” – The Valley of Vision: Penitence

This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Mark Stewart serves the Burlington URC in Burlington, WA.