1 John 1: 9 – 10
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar, and his Word is not in us.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Forgiveness of our sins is the key to salvation; by faith alone, we know You suffered on the cross to pay our debt of sin. As John wrote (by inspiration of the Holy Spirit), You are faithful to us and forgive our sins when we confess them.
Sin is every time we are loveless towards You and others, we miss the mark of being perfect, just as You demanded in Your word. “Be perfect as Your Father in heaven is perfect.” When our pride gets involved, and we are selfish and want things to go our way, we do whatever makes us feel good at the expense of You or someone else.
Because of the sin that was handed down to us from our first parents, we are all infected. As John wrote, “If someone thinks they have not sinned, we make you out to be a liar, and Your word is not in us.” Lord, let us realize that it is not only in what we say or do, but it begins with our thoughts. Our words and actions result from what we think, and our inherited sin is what causes and affects those thoughts.
Please forgive us all our sins, remove our guilt and shame for what we have thought, and give us the courage to ask for forgiveness for those we have hurt with our words and actions. Then we ask for the peace that comes only from You, the peace knowing we are restored to You and the Father by faith begun in us by the Holy Spirit. Thank you for being faithful to and forgiving us even when we do not deserve your forgiveness. May we share this peace with those who do not know you; please be faithful to them and give them the peace of your forgiveness. Amen
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
In God’s word, He tells us about His love for you; Jesus came to suffer the cross so that you would be forgiven for all your sins. Faith receives His gift of love, and it is in forgiveness that you are united and restored to God; this is salvation.