February 19th, 2025
Confessing and Overcoming Sin
1 John 1:5-10
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
James emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins to one another and to God. This act of humility opens the door for healing and restoration. Today's reading from 1 John reinforces this truth, reminding us that God is faithful to forgive when we confess. Sin can create strongholds in our lives, areas where we feel trapped or powerless. But through confession and the power of Christ, these strongholds can be broken. Reflect on any areas of your life where you feel stuck in sin. Take time to confess these to God and, if appropriate, to a trusted Christian friend. Remember, there's no shame in admitting our struggles - it's the first step toward freedom.
Posted in Daily Devos