Day 36 – Confessing

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1: 8-9)

The Bible uses a variety of ways to speak to God, humanity and sin. Today’s passage speaks of ‘cleansing’. The word recalls the ritual purity required in temple worship, but it might also remind us of the compassion with which Jesus drew near to the marginalised, excluded and broken people whom the world of his day called ‘sinners’. He welcomed and embraced them with such love and touched them so tenderly. The work of cleansing, disinfecting, binding and restoring to health is one of gentleness and understanding. God’s greatest revelation of himself is in the place of our sin, so if we say we have no sin, we miss it all. He meets us here with love that is truthful, that does not deceive us, that forgives and cleanses us.

(Extract from Dust & Glory by David Runcorn) 

Prayer

Lord, help me to come to true repentance.