Drop One Hundred Fourteen

1 John 1:8-9

“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (NASB1995).

“The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness” by John F. MacArthur is a book I am currently reading and studying. Growing up in the Lutheran Church, 1 John 1:8-9 was recited every Sunday morning. Notice that confession is a prerequisite to forgiveness. However, notice in 1 Corinthians 13:5, “…[love] does not take into account a wrong suffered.” The difference is the difference between God’s forgiveness and our call to love one another. Remember the parable of the King that forgave his servants unpayable debt and then that servant sent another to the debtors’ prison for a much smaller debt (Matthew 18:23 - 35)? When we refuse to forgive others, we are behaving like the forgiven servant who refused to forgive. As a child of God, if we wish our current sins to be forgiven, we must forgive our brothers, sisters, neighbors, children, parents, etc. of their transgressions against us. If we are to be different from the world and live the abundant life promised through Christ, we must see ourselves more clearly. None of us are sinless. However, by the power of the Holy Spirit living through us, we can sin less.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us and for being faithfully patient. Thank You for sending Jesus to wipe out our transgressions for Your sake (Isaiah 43:25). There is nothing good that we can do apart from You. Thank You for choosing to love us. Help us to serve and love You well through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the Name of Jesus we pray,

AMEN