Confession is Love

1 John 1:8-10 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.  
 
THE truth is, we are sinners. And the truth is, faith in Jesus is the way to forgiveness. Do you believe this?
   In one way it can be easy to say, “I’m a sinner.” But this confession can become difficult when we begin to name our sins. To say, “I’ve sinned when ….” is a precise way of defining your transgression(s). And that kind of specific confession can be an emotionally painful process. When you love God, who is Light, you may be ashamed to admit you’ve succumbed to the darkness. Shame and guilt may keep you from specifically saying, “I sinned when…”
   But if we do not silently or openly confess each sin before God, might this be a way we claim to be without sin? Are we trying to hide it or deceive ourselves that the sin was of no consequence to our relationship with God?
   Another way we might deceive ourselves is to feel unworthy before God. Or we may not trust his forgiveness. But John gives us great comfort and encouragement that God will hear and forgive our confession.   
   John wants us to remember the Lord is faithful to forgive. He will do as he says. The Bible’s history proves that. Under God’s promise of redemption,, Jesus has died on a cross, so your sins can be forgiven. The Lord has not died in vain. He is faithful to fulfill his covenant promise: Matthew 26:26-28 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus’ blood is poured out, so your sins can be forgiven.
   John also reminds us God is just to forgive. God’s righteousness demands he fulfill his promises. When you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)  You will be saved in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
   Note that he will purify you, make you perfectly clean form all unrighteousness. God does not just forgive what we might view as minor or smaller sins. All unrighteousness becomes righteous in the Lord’s forgiveness.
   That’s why you can specifically confess your sins. He knows each one. Because he loves you, God wants you to love and trust him. You display your love and faith when you release your sins to him.