1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Just as light reveals dirt on our bodies, so the Light of the World reveals sin in our lives. Since in 1John 1:5 we see that ‘God is light’ and in v. 7 ‘if we walk in the light’, how does that help us confess our sins?

When we are walking with God in the light of His Word, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. Confession to God is an acknowledgement and agreement with God that we see our sin in the same way God does. We may feel shame and guilt over our sin. God’s remedy for shame and guilt is for us to confess and for Him to forgive and cleanse. God removes the guilt.

Many in today’s society are walking in darkness and don’t see their sin. They make statements that justify their behavior, but it doesn’t take away shame and guilt.

·       I’ve been going through a tough time.

·       I fell.

·       I don’t know what happened.

·       I didn’t mean for this to happen.

·       I slipped up.

·       He made me angry.

·       What was I supposed to do?

·       If I offended anyone, I’m sorry.

Shame and guilt are God’s tools to keep us confessing and walking in the light. God’s remedy for our sin is on the basis of what Christ has done. Christ is both our advocate and ‘sin-bearer’. God accepted His blood as payment for our sin.

1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Blame-shifting, denial, or putting off confession will only prolong our guilt and shame and break our fellowship with God. God wants for us to name our sin and be cleansed immediately. Our guilt is removed immediately. Shame may take a little longer to go away depending on how we process it and how many other people are involved. By taking ownership of our wrong doings even shame can depart.

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry