My husband has a funny saying when discussing a clear conscience. He likes to say, “My mind was as clear as a coconut.”

My husband is originally from an island country where coconuts grow in abundance. It’s not unusual for a person to climb a tall coconut tree, grab the fruit, and crack it open to enjoy refreshing coconut water. Coconut water is clear. Our consciences should be clear like coconut water, transparent and open for review.

In the first chapter of 2 Corinthians, Paul is defending his ministry to the church of Corinth. He reassures them that his conscience is as clear as coconut water. He has led a life of integrity because he has experienced God’s grace and seeks to glorify God through his transparent, obedient life. He had nothing to hide because he was covered in God’s grace.

What a blessing to be covered in God’s grace!

God’s grace empowers us to live lives of integrity. Like you and I, Paul experienced obstacles in his life but he knew that in every setback, God’s grace was there to set him back on track.

God’s grace is available to you today. As believers, we have a clear conscience, not because we’re so good but because God is so gracious that He empowers us to live with integrity.