“If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to [God], he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.”
— 1 John 1:8 – 9 (NLT)
No one but God is perfect, but sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking we’re not so bad. After all, we don’t steal or tell big lies or cheat like some people we know.
Maybe you didn’t steal or cheat today, but God is interested in your attitudes and thoughts as well as your behavior. Did you tell a classmate, “Pretty outfit” while you were thinking, “Ugly rag”? Did you shove your little brother out of the way when he stood in front of the refrigerator? These things fall short of the standard Christians should live up to.
You’re not alone. We all fall short sometimes. Thankfully, God has provided a way to wash that dirt from our hearts and spirits. Be humble. Admit where you fell short, and specifically name the sins you want forgiveness for. Then trust God that you are totally forgiven.
We bathe because we’ve had contact with dirt in our world and need to be washed. Take time to confess your sins daily too, and go to bed at night with both body and spirit squeaky clean.
More to Explore: Jeremiah 2:22
Girl Talk: What sin do you have pressing on your heart right now? Have you asked God’s forgiveness for that sin?
God Talk: “Lord, I know I fail your expectations every day. Please forgive me for . Thank you for always being ready to forgive. Amen.”
From No Boys Allowed by Kristi Holl