“I’ve got it.” This is my most used sentence when someone offers to help me with a task. Though clearly I am struggling and trying to do too much, I think that I can handle things on my own. I am clearly walking in figurative darkness and am blind to the fact that I am a limited person.
Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have a selfish or stubborn streak in us. We are prideful people that don’t like to admit when we’re wrong or limited. We may believe that by admitting our faults or weaknesses, we are bound to lose respect or relationships or positions.
Confession is for All
The interesting fact about the kingdom of God is that it is for the humble, broken, and needy. God knows that we’re all sinners. We can’t hide it no matter how much we try. He is very aware of our brokenness and need for His saving grace through Jesus. When we hide our sin or try to muster up the will or energy to do things on our own, we only hurt ourselves.
But John gives us a clear path in which we can walk in the light and rid ourselves of the burden of hiding sin. It is through confession. 1 John 1:6 serves as a wakeup call for believers. If we claim to be a follower of Jesus yet continue to live in sin, we are living a lie.
Now, this is not to say that we are supposed to be perfect and never sin. We will still have a sin nature as long as we’re living on this side of heaven. The mark of truly following Jesus is that when we recognize our sin, we confess i and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to flee from that sin and pursue righteousness. Following our enemy, on the other hand, will lead us to ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit. If we do that, we won’t be able to recognize or admit our need for forgiveness and healing.
Confession is Met with Grace
John continues in 1 John 1 by writing that “But if we confess our sins, he [Jesus] is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness” (1:9). Confession is the means by which we can daily live in the light of Christ.
Notice that this is a promise for believers. If we confess our sins, then Jesus will forgive and cleanse us. We don’t have to worry if he may or may not forgive us. He absolutely will. He’s waiting for us to come to him, repentant of our sin.
Confession is a very vulnerable act. But in confession, we are met with grace and help so that we don’t have to continue in our sin.
Where are you today? Are there any sins that you’ve been nursing, thinking, “It’s not that big of a deal?” Maybe there’s a sin you’ve been hiding because you’re too afraid that it can never be forgiven. Maybe you think that God has had to forgive you for this sin too many times already, and you’ve exhausted His patience. Maybe you haven’t confessed a certain sin because you’re worried that you will be met with condemnation or judgment.
Wherever you may be, take your sins to Jesus. Confess it to Him. Don’t stay in the darkness. He is a compassionate and gracious Savior.
Once you confess and turn from your sins, take the bold step to share it with a trusted, believing friend. Let them in to what you’ve been struggling with. Ask them to help to hold you accountable and to encourage you as you take steps towards Christ. It may be awkward or scary to take this step, but I promise you that it’s worth it.
The enemy wants nothing more than to keep you isolated and hidden so that you don’t address the sin in your life. By letting Jesus and others in, you can more easily combat it.
Confession is a Lifestyle
Confession is to be a lifestyle. As stated earlier, we all have a sin nature, even after trusting in Jesus. So, we will continually need to come to Christ and let others in. It is a daily practice and discipline to grow in.
If you’ve never confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you and make you new, today can be the day. Stop right now and pray to Jesus. You can say something like this.
Jesus, I am a sinner. I’ve done things that go against your will and ways. I’ve [insert sins here]. I’ve been trying to hide and manage my sin, but I don’t want to live this way anymore. Will you forgive me? Will you make me new? I don’t want to be in charge anymore. Will you be the Lord of my life? Amen.
If you’ve prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! We’d love to hear about your decision and help you take your next steps of faith. You can email [email protected].
Though you may be a very capable woman, able to handle lots of things on your own, you are not perfect nor invincible. This is especially true when it comes to our righteousness. You don’t have to live in the dark, hiding or managing sin. Turn to Christ today and confess your sins. In it, you will be met with forgiveness, grace, and hope.
