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. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
When I read these verses at the end of last week, I was struck by the phrase "if we claim to be without sin". My instinctive reaction was - when would I ever claim to be without sin? But as I reflected more on God's words here, I thought of all the "little" sins I neglect to confess and root out of my life. Or perhaps worse, the so-called gray areas I keep at arm's length, not taking the time to see what God's will is (as Paula was writing last Tuesday).
And so, many confessions later, with a humbler attitude, I read these words again and just reveled in God's faithful forgiveness. He never lies. He triumphed over sin, even my sin.
My prayers have been filled with thankfulness for this mercy shown us, and for the opportunity to day by day bury ourselves in the heart of God and listen to his voice in the Word.
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