READING: Ezekiel 42-44, 1 John 1
“If we confess our sins . . .”
1 John 1:9
Today, I’m thinking a lot about the pervasiveness and persistence of sin. I look around at the world, at my friends, at people I love, at me – and I grieve what sin does to people. The older I get, the more I see its destructive power. I make no claims to have overcome it, but I am learning to hate it. I don’t know what I’d do if it were not for the grace of God that forgives us and those we love. Seriously.
Even the older apostle John recognized the reality and the power of sin, evidenced by his including himself in these words: “If we say, ‘We have no sin,’ we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9). No matter how old we get, we are still sinners. At no point do we have a legitimate right to say, “I have no sin in my life.” The sins may be different, and the temptations may vary in intensity, but rebellion against God is still a part of our struggle. Only those who deceive themselves would say otherwise.
At the same time, though, genuine, heartfelt confession marks those who are truly God’s children. Assumed within this confession is a brokenness that compels us to turn away from our sin. When we get there and turn to God, He cancels our debt and cleanses us from our impurities. Our confession thus becomes a kind of “spiritual check-up” to maintain our walk with God in the healthiest way – and He overwhelms us with His grace when we run to Him in confession.
ACTION STEPS:
- Ask God to help you hate your sin today. Completely.
- Confess it, and trust Him to make you clean.
PRAYER: “God, thank You so much for Your forgiveness and cleansing. I do not deserve it.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 45-46, 1 John 2