8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.
Faithful and Just
I love this passage. For some, they focus on the challenge that’s found in its words. That you’re fooling yourself if you claim to have no sin. That if you do suggest you have no sin, you’re a liar. Yes, that’s all true. And yes, for some people, that might be where you need to focus with this passage.
However, in my experience, most people have no problem admitting they have sinned. Most of the people I spend time with quickly acknowledge that they have messed up many times. Their issue has nothing to do with claiming to have no sin.
For those people, the biggest issue is accepting that God will forgive their sin. It’s incredible to me how many times I hear someone say something like, “I wish I could believe that God loves and accepts me just as I am. I wish it really was as easy as simply confessing my sin and being forgiven.”
And yet, that’s exactly what this passage says. If we confess, he will forgive. Notice it doesn’t say, “If we confess to a minister or a priest.” God’s the one who forgives. He’s also the one we need to confess our sins to. And when we do, he forgives. He cleanses us.
It doesn’t say, “He might forgive. You know, as long as your sin isn’t a doozy!” No, it says “He will forgive.” It’s a done deal.
In fact, you could read this passage to be saying that if you don’t believe God has forgiven you, then you are calling him a liar. It’s that strong of a statement.
So believe it. Accept it. When you confess your sins, you don’t need to still do something to earn God’s forgiveness. You have it. He’s faithful and just and will forgive.
My prayer: Lord, thank you for forgiveness. And thank you for the confidence that I can have in knowing that you have forgiven me. As I admit my sin, confess it to you, repent and turn away from it, you provide me with the forgiveness and the strength to live for you. Your grace is truly amazing. Amen.
Until tomorrow.
