Canine Confession
I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. Psalm 38:18 (NIV)
From All God’s Creatures written by Xochitl E. Dixon
I stepped into the foyer, surprised and a bit concerned by the silence. Jazzy, my beagle-mix pup, usually greeted me at the front door. I walked toward the dining room and set my purse down on the table. “Jazzy?” Nothing.
Worry pricked the back of my neck as I searched for Jazzy in the living room and then headed to the upstairs master bedroom. Gulping down a knot of fear, I made my way down the stairs. “Jazzy. Come. Now.”
My dog slunk out of my husband’s office, head lowered, ears twisted forward, and eyes filled with guilt.
I expected to find trash strewn across the office floor but found nothing. I searched the perimeter, then sat on the floor in front of her. “What did you do?”
Jazzy walked toward me, her steps slow. She tucked her tail, lowered her head even more, and twisted her floppy ears so far that I could see the insides. She sat in front of me, scooting closer until she pressed into my leg while avoiding eye contact.
“Were you in the kitchen?”
Tapping the tip of her tail on the floor, Jazzy nudged my hand.
“Oh, Jazzy,” I said with a smile, “I forgive you.”
Before I could fully open my arms, Jazzy wiggled into my embrace, hopped onto my lap, and slathered my face with puppy kisses. Jazzy’s canine confession reminded me of the psalmist David, who wrote about the burden of unconfessed sin. But her response to my forgiveness filled me with hope.
When I confess my sins to the Master—Jesus—I can count on Him to remain faithful, merciful, and unconditionally loving as He forgives me.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Father, we thank You for forgiving us and teaching us how to forgive others who have offended us. Let us follow Your examples of remaining faithful, merciful and loving. AMEN.