All means all

Today’s Scripture: 1 John 1:9

It is the quintessential dilemma for every child. You have done something wrong, and your parents have confronted you about it. Do you admit your wrongdoing, or do you try to cover it up and hope that they do not find out?

I have tried to teach my children that telling the truth always works out better for them in the end. But do I believe that truth myself?

As sinful people, we have a propensity to try and hide our faults from one another and from God. If no one knows about our wrongdoings, we can simply act like they do not exist.

But God tells us that the only way we can find healing is to confess our sins to him. God’s Word promises us that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 

But what about when we do something really bad?  What about those big sins?  Does God really forgive us of those, too? 

Perhaps the most important word in 1 John 1:9 is the word “all.” All means all. Every sinful thing – every wicked thought, every evil action – everything is forgivable if we confess it to the Father.

So what are you waiting for? Confess your shortcomings to the Father, and be thankful for his unconditional love.

Today’s Prayer: Father, thank you for your forgiveness.  Thank you for cleansing me of my sin.  Help me to always confess my shortcomings to you so that I can find healing.