I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
—1 JOHN 2:1–2
I FIND THIS PASSAGE so intriguing. John starts off by saying he’s writing this book to us so that we will not sin, and in the very next breath, he says, “But if anybody does sin . . .” I think part of what he means is: “After I’ve just told you all I’ve told you, how can you ever be the same and sin like before?” He’s right! The more I learn about God, the more I want to be like Him. I want to please God, and the best way to please God is to live a holy life. Will I ever live a totally sinless life? No! But John assures me that if I do sin, I have an advocate with the Father. Jesus is our atoning sacrifice—not just for the “godly,” but for the whole world. I want to live each day as holy as possible so that I can please God and show Him that I cherish His sacrifice, but I am so thankful He’s made a provision for the many times that I blow it.
Prayer
Father, although we know we will not ever live a perfect life, help us to live each day in Your light and be a light for the world You sacrificed Your son for. In His name, amen.
—Lisa