CWW Week 23 - Day 1 - Dealing With Sin

Embracing Truth and Grace: 

Scripture: 1 John 1:8-10 (NKJV)
8. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
9. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
10. “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”

In our journey of faith, confronting our own shortcomings can be a challenging but vital step toward spiritual growth. The apostle John, in his epistle, speaks of a critical aspect of our relationship with God: the reality of sin and the transformative power of confession and forgiveness. These verses from 1 John 1 light the path from self-deception to genuine restoration through God’s grace.

Acknowledge the Reality of Sin

John begins by highlighting a fundamental truth: to claim that we are without sin is to deceive ourselves. Such denial is not only an affront to God’s truth but also a distortion of our own reality. We all grapple with imperfection and sin, whether it be in our thoughts, actions, or attitudes. This self-deception often stems from pride or fear—pride in wanting to appear flawless, or fear of facing our failings. However, this denial only keeps us distant from God’s healing presence. We can’t heal a wound by saying it’s not there.

Repentance as the Path to Healing

John contrasts self-deception with the liberating act of confessing to God. Confession is more than admitting wrongdoing; it is a heartfelt acknowledgment of our need for divine intervention. When we confess our sins, we invite God’s grace into our lives. John assures us that God is both “faithful and just”—meaning that His promise to forgive is steadfast and reliable. The faithfulness of God is not based on our merit but on God’s unchanging nature and justice.

Confession opens the door to forgiveness and cleansing. It is in this honest surrender that we experience God’s grace most profoundly. The cleansing from “all unrighteousness” signifies a thorough and complete purification—a fresh start in our walk with God. This act of divine grace is both transformative and restoring, freeing us from the weight of guilt and shame.

The Danger of Denial

Verse 10 warns against the arrogance of claiming we have never sinned. Such a stance not only contradicts our own experience but also makes God a liar. To deny our sin is to reject the very foundation of our need for redemption. It implies that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was unnecessary or of no worth. Embracing the reality of our sin is crucial because it positions us to fully appreciate and accept the magnitude of God’s grace.

Living in the Light

In light of these truths, how should we then live? First, we must practice humility, recognising that we are all in need of God’s grace. This humility fosters an authentic relationship with God, where we are free to come as we are—imperfect but hopeful. Second, let our confession be genuine and ongoing, not merely a one-time act but a continual openness to God’s refining work in our lives.

Finally, as we experience God’s forgiveness and cleansing, let’s extend the same grace to others. Just as we are recipients of divine mercy, we are called to be channels of that mercy, as we reflect God’s forgiveness and compassion in our interactions with those around us.

Questions.

1. Are you in denial and wearing a mask because you don’t want anyone in your life to know who you think you are?
2. How authentic is your belief of who you are and what you stand for?
3. Are you now brave enough to drop that mask and bask in the glory of authenticity as someone created in God’s image?

Prayer:

Dear Lord,  Papa God.

Thank You for the gift of Your grace and forgiveness. Help me to face the truth of my imperfections honestly and to come before You with a heart open to confession. I trust in Your promise to forgive and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. May Your grace transform me daily and enable me to extend the same forgiveness and compassion to those around me. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great day with Jesus.

Graham Hood