Read: 1 John 1:8-10
This generation, and many before us, prefer the idea of following their feelings. If it feels good, it must be right. If it aligns with my desires and wants, then it must be right. John claims that if you think you have no sin, if you follow your feelings and think that they are always in line with the will of God, then you are fooling yourself and living in darkness.
If, instead of lying to yourself, you have a hard conversation with God, scripture says that he is faithful to forgive and cleanse. I hear this idea a lot: “I have to clean up my life before I come to Jesus.” John is saying the exact opposite. If you confess your sins to him, God will forgive you, and he will clean up your life. The harsh reality is that if you think you have to fix your life before coming to Jesus, then you are devaluing what Jesus did on the cross. That thought process means that His death and resurrection were insufficient to cover your sins. Jesus wants you to come to him messy and broken, because He is the redeemer, the restorer, and He is the only one who can transform your life. He has already paid for your sin. That should bring so much freedom and joy to your life today.
Confession is the admission of who we think God is. If we confess our sin, we are trusting that He is a good and merciful God who will remain true to His Word and forgive us of whatever sin we have committed. If we refuse to confess our sin, we are under the assumption that He is an unrighteous God who has reached His limit of forgiveness, and we are running from Him in hopes to earn our way into his good standings.
“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
— Luke 11:11–13
- How does confessing your sins help you maintain a close relationship with God?
- What barriers can hinder you from being honest about your sins before God?
- How can you overcome these barriers and be more transparent in your relationship with God?