1 John 1:8-9 – Confess It!

“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:8-9)

I was baptized and confirmed Lutheran, so this memory verse is very familiar. Growing up, the pastor would say these words every week during the Confession/Forgiveness part of our liturgy or order of worship. My mind was blown when years later I realized the pastor was quoting scripture.

Context: 1 John 1 is not a very long chapter, but John includes a lot of wisdom here. He shares more about Jesus’ teachings about sin not already contained in his gospel. It speaks of living in the light and how we mustn’t hide our sin but rather confess it. It is then that we are forgiven.

We and God are both moving in these verses. If we don’t want to deceive ourselves, then John’s counsel tells us what we need to do and how God will respond. We don’t have to be stuck in our sinfulness. God has given us a way to freedom. Open our mouth and confess it, those sins holding us back.

Why is it hard for us at times to confess our sins? We can plead ignorance saying we didn’t know we were sinning. We can be in denial. Anything that separates us from God or goes against his will is a sin. The Bible gives us so many clues to the very actions that displease God. So, it’s no secret what sinning looks like.

Like the verse says, we can be foolish if we don’t acknowledge our sins before God. Hiding them will never do because God knows all. If that’s true, we may think, then why do we need to confess it? It’s because it doesn’t “count” until we acknowledge it, say it out loud.

For one thing, confessing our sins gives us such peace and the release of dread. Just more thing God knew we’d be seeking. Peace and assurance come from trust God with that sin, trusting that we will be forgiven. It’s the second part of this memory verse.

I’ll never forget the trip to big Guadalajara Cathedral when our grandkids were visiting. I’m picturing an antique confession booth that I saw there, wooden carvings so beautiful. Plenty of priests have carried plenty of sins before God on behalf of faithful people. We don’t need a special place to confess to God. We can do it in whatever location we find ourselves in.

I try to make confession part of each prayer time I have with God. There are always plenty of things to seek his forgiveness for. I trust that he does his part as the verse promises. He will “cleanse” me. I love that image of being refreshed and renewed. Rather than give me reason to keep sinning, I want instead to do the right thing in God’s eyes even more. I think God knew that would happen.

May these verses remind you what forgiveness is all about and what your role is. Take time today to dig down and expose yourself before God. Then sit back and breathe in his love and mercy.

Let’s pray. LORD, I thank you for choosing me and believing in me despite the times I stumble and fall. My heart breaks for how I let you down at times. Keep me strongly planted in your Word so I can draw closer to you. I trust you will light my path and lead the way through each day. Please forgive me for all the things I have done to displease you and hold me back from your perfect plan. Thank you for your love and mercy. I love you, LORD, and am honored to be able to share your love with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.