From the exhortation by Pastor Brian Phillips on Sunday, June 11th
1st John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” There are some promises in Scripture that become so familiar, some verses that become so comfortable, that we forget just how truly astounding they are. If we “confess” our sins to God, He is faithful and just to forgive us? To us, that sometimes seems too easy. Isn’t there something else we must do?
Yet, there it is. A promise.
My children have taught me just how true this is. I can’t speak for your house, but in our house, we have sinners living there. So, rarely does a day go by when one of us does not have to ask forgiveness for something we have done. I am impatient, or inattentive, or short, or I raise my voice – and I have to ask my children or my wife to forgive me.
Mind you, my children have been raised up hearing this verse – 1st John 1:9 – recited to them nearly every time they get “reminders” for some wrong they have done. And those same children, when wronged by me, and I ask their forgiveness, reply, “Of course I forgive you.” Without fail.
Their forgiveness to me is so sure, so faithful, that it has taught me greater trust in God’s forgiveness. If my own children can offer forgiveness so freely, how much more does God forgive me when I confess my sins to Him? Still further, if my children can forgive me so quickly and freely, and if a perfectly holy God can forgive my sins so faithfully, how could I dare withhold forgiveness from those wrong me?
Let us be like little children, who are wise enough to trust and live out the promises of God. Let us forgive and seek forgiveness as they do.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord…