July 16

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

John is addressing Christians who know that Jesus is the Messiah. They have already accepted Him as their Savior. So why the emphasis on confessing their sins and obtaining forgiveness? Was not their sin forgiven as Jesus gave up His life at the cross? Yes, but there is more to the story.

Jesus wants us to have a cleansed conscience and heart as we approach Him and walk with Him in our daily life.  Confession improves our relationship with Jesus.  It is for our benefit that we tell Him of our sin—He knows them anyway. We can be cleansed within so that we do not carry any feeling of guilt as we encounter those in the world. We truly will be a lamp unto the world, shining brightly, if we do not allow our heart to be filled with clouds of guilt. It is like we become new each time we talk to Him about forgiveness. He assures us of our total acceptance. We radiate Christ to the world.

Today, Lord Jesus, I confess my sins before You. I have overlooked my neighbor, I have harbored ill thoughts toward others, I have habits that need to be eliminated*, and I have not followed You as I should. Thank You for the forgiveness that comes from Your shed blood. I can approach You with a clean conscience, and You will empower me to face the world. We go together, and I love each step that I take with You. Amen.

* Christ would have us name each sin specifically.
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