1 John 2: 1 – 2
My children, I write these things to you so that you will not sin. If anyone does sin, we have an Advocate before the Father: Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the whole world.
Applying God’s Word for today: Jesus stands before the Father
Consider, for a moment, John’s writing as he pens these words, inspired by the Holy Spirit. This is God’s will for us: that we would not sin. Jesus said, “Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” Yet, as much as we desire to be good, our actions can be unloving and sinful. Our pride or ego gets involved, and when someone needs help, we can look the other way because we are too busy for them. Likewise, our pride takes over when things don’t go as planned, and we become short-tempered. Perhaps worse is when we say nothing, only smiling to protect our image and suppress our anger inside towards them, “Why should I help?” Yet even our thoughts condemn us.
It would be wonderful to go an entire day without sinning, but on this side of heaven, that’s impossible. Even the world recognizes our flaws and criticizes us for not being Christ-like. Yet, everyone sins and falls short of God’s glory, which is why He sent His Son to make us right with God. Jesus lived a perfect life, suffered for our sins on the cross, and gave His life to conquer death. Through Jesus’ resurrection, we see that God has accepted His sacrifice for our sins—not just ours, but for the entire world. For those who reject God’s love, it’s a heartbreaking reality because they will one day perish in hell, rejecting what could have saved them: God’s love, grace, and mercy. All because they refused to listen. Please hear this: God loves you and desires to forgive every one of your sins. He wants you to be in Heaven with Him and sent His Son to pay the price for your sins.
Dear Lord, while we long to be free from sin, this will only happen when we are with You in heaven. Thank You for sending Your Son as the atonement sacrifice for our sins. We ask for forgiveness for all our sins, for Jesus’ sake. Please give us opportunities to share the good news of salvation with those who do not know about Your love. Soften their hard hearts so they can hear Your love and mercy, and allow it to work in their hearts to begin their faith. Amen.
Know that Jesus has forgiven each of your sins because sins are what separate us from being united with God. His forgiveness is delivered to everyone who believes in Him as their Savior. Through Jesus, you have eternal life.