1 John 1:5-9
This is the message we heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light. In him there is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him but still walk in darkness, we are lying and do not put the truth into practice. But if we walk in the light, just as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Everyone struggles with sin; even believers are not exempt from temptation and wrongdoing. John reminds us that we deceive ourselves if we claim to be without sin. The challenge is that while we may be tempted to sin, we don’t intentionally pursue its darkness. Just because a bird flies over our heads doesn’t mean we allow it to nest in our hair.
By faith, we know that you suffered and died on the cross to remove all our sins. Although our sins are forgiven, temptations will continue until we are home with you. Please hear our confession for all the sins we have committed and forgive us. Grant us your light so we can look to you for rescue. As John said, when we confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive us. We confess all our sins: our pride, hate, desires for others’ possessions, ill feelings and unjust judgments towards others, disrespect, and all other sins stemming from our sinful desires. Even though we are undeserving of your forgiveness, please forgive all our sins according to your grace and mercy. It is in your word that we find assurance of your forgiveness.
Please send us your Holy Spirit to renew our hearts and strengthen our faith so that we can overcome our temptations with you. Let our lives serve as examples of the love you have shown us, so that we might witness to the world and inspire them to know you as their Lord and Savior. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Walking in faith with Jesus comes from knowing, trusting, and believing in His love for you as revealed in His Word. Faith leads to a change of heart, inspiring one to do things they may have never done before—these actions are the fruits of faith, knowing God’s love and mercy.