“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)
Three of the most important words in any Christian’s life are these: “I did it.” Or, “I was wrong.” As hard as those words may be to say, without them we cannot have an honest relationship with God. Why? Because Christians sin.
We are saved from the eternal consequences of our sin. Jesus died for our sin. All of our sins are forgiven through faith in him. But, still, we continue to give in to sin on some level, even as we’re growing in Christ.
The difference is that now we know it. Now we can say out loud to ourselves and to God, “I lied, and that was wrong.” “I returned evil for evil; that was wrong.” “I cheated on the assignment; that was wrong.”
If confession of sin to God is not a regular part of your life, you might be missing out on the closeness with God that’s available to us. God forgives. Confession is an act of humility that draws us near to him and him to us.
Let’s not keep him at a distance by pretending not to notice our own sinful choices.
Think: How often do you admit specific sin to God? Why would we ever choose not to be honest with him about our sin? What’s the value in regular confession of the specific sins we commit?
Pray: Ask God to keep reminding you to confess your sin to him. Thank him for his forgiveness and for his promise to purify us from all unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus.
Do: If it’s not something you regularly do, make a point this week to confess to God any sin you catch yourself taking part in.