Bible Society of South Africa
Danny Fourie

God’s grace, love and power – Day 13

Confession of guilt makes you free

Bible text(s)

1 John 1

9But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.

1 John 1:9GNBOpen in Bible reader

When you realise that you are a sinner in God’s eyes, it makes you sad. You then understand that sin is something that has come between you and God. Realising this, you would like to see that gap between you and God disappear. Then, you may have the need to confess your sin and guilt before God.

You should acknowledge your sin. Only when you stop denying your sin or condone it, and honestly acknowledge and understand that you have sinned against God, then you can put your sins behind you. John writes: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

Your true sense of sin will not lead to anxiety and depression. When you confess your sin, it truly opens the way for you to feel liberated and renewed.

The psalmist says: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers …” (Psalm 1:1). Blessed is the one who does not walk, stand or sit … When you have said yes to God, you will become more willing to say no to sin.

Is it possible to overcome sin? As children of God, the Holy Spirit lives within us. In the power of the Spirit, we can resist sin and overcome it. Paul says: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

When we fight and overcome sin, life gets more beautiful.

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