The Gift of Being Clean in Christ
Monday, May 19, 2025 by Melissa McLaughlin

The sun blazed on my back. Drops of sweat trickled down my face, and dirt clung to my arms like a wet shirt. After digging in the soil to plant flowers and spread mulch, my sweat mixed with the earth, forming a special mud glaze that stuck fast to my skin.

I stepped back to enjoy the view. Bright yellow and pink Lantana blooms grinned at me, highlighted by a backdrop of rich chocolate mulch. My heart blossomed at the sight of this lovely backyard beauty.

As I gazed, my eyes began stinging with grime and sweat. I reached toward my face to wipe my eyes and noticed brown grit caked on my hands. I hurried inside to wash up.

Standing at the sink, the cool water splashed over my hands. I squirted liquid soap and rubbed. The berry-scented soap smelled sweet. Suds foamed as I scrubbed my fingers, the backs of my hands, and arms. I leaned over to immerse myself in the refreshing water.

Having fully rinsed, I reached for a towel to dry off. Somehow, my arms felt lighter. I grabbed a wet washcloth to wipe my face.

All traces of sweat and dirt were completely gone. As if I had never touched the flower beds. I felt like a new person. Bright, shining, and revived. What a gift to be clean.

The Gift of Being Clean in Christ

This everyday task of washing caused me to wonder at the soul-cleansing offered by our Savior. When we ponder the sin that clings to us from our selfish desires, from the world, and from the devil, it is no wonder the Bible is replete with verses about repentance and purifying.

Here are a few of my favorites. May God’s Spirit and word wash over you and revive your soul as you read.

1 Corinthians 6:11 ESV – And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Titus 3:5 ESV – He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.

1 John 1:7 ESV – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:9 ESV – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 51:1-2, 7, 10-12 ESV – Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin…

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow…

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

There’s nothing like the feeling of being clean. What verses help you remember that the blood of Jesus washes us clean? May we rejoice anew at this most amazing gift!

Invitation for my readers:

Would you like to draw closer to Christ and experience the cleansing of His Word? Are you looking for a fresh way to read the Bible? Or maybe you’d like to be reminded of Jesus woven throughout the Scriptures.

The Whole Bible Devotional: Seeing Jesus in Every Book of the Bible was written for you!

Available at Amazon, CLC Publications, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers.

Each book comes with a free downloadable Small Group Study Guide. This is a great choice for your small group, Bible study, or Sunday School class!

Also Available on YouVersion:

Portions of The Whole Bible Devotional are also available for free on the YouVersion Bible App! Grab a friend and invite them to read with you! May the Bible come alive as you read and pray.

Click here for “Praying From the Gospels“ YouVersion 4-day Bible plan.
Click here for “Praying Words of Wisdom From the Bible“ YouVersion 5-day Bible plan.
Click here for “Praying From Paul’s Letters” YouVersion 13-day Bible plan.

I hope you’ll check it out and be blessed!

Comments

Rachel Kaplan From CT At 8/21/2025 8:17:31 PM

Love this article! I read it before but just had to reread it. It is so cleansing to be clean. We need water, healthy nourishment, and a good relationship with God for that!

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

You're right, Rachel. The gift of being clean is a wonderful blessing. It refreshes us in every way. Especially being clean so we can draw near our holy Father. God bless you!

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

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