“But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Matthew 9:6

Jesus didn’t just speak forgiveness, He proved it. In Matthew 9:6, He tells the paralyzed man to rise, not to impress the crowd, but to reveal something deeper: forgiveness has power. Authority. Weight. Sometimes we carry guilt or shame like a mat we’ve grown used to lying on. We believe forgiveness is possible, but we’re not sure it’s meant for us. Jesus answers that doubt plainly. His authority reaches into the places we cannot fix ourselves. Forgiveness is not a distant promise. It is present, active, and able to lift us to our feet.

Father God, You see what no one else can see. Examine me with Your kindness and truth. Search the hidden places of my heart and test the motives that even I overlook. Where there is anything unclean, remove it. Where there is anything wounded, heal it. Where there is anything true, strengthen it. Purify my thoughts, steady my emotions, and align my desires with Your will. Let my life reflect integrity, not because I am perfect, but because You are faithful to refine me. Try my reins and my heart, O Lord, and lead me in the way that honors You. Love You, thank You, praise You and give you all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

“Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.”

(Psalm 26:2)

David wasn’t asking God to test him so he could prove his own strength. He was asking God to reveal truth, purify motives, and confirm integrity.