Inspired by 1 John 1:1-9
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9
We always want to think the best of ourselves. We justify our questionable or even bad behaviors, and we excuse or ignore shortcomings in the name of self-esteem.
But when we do that, we’re projecting a false image of who we are to the world, and we often try to believe it ourselves. But it’s a lie, and we can’t maintain it. Eventually we begin to feel like a fraud, and our self-esteem suffers even more.
One of the benefits of salvation is being freed from living a lie. It’s OK to admit to our shortcomings. It’s even OK to call them sins, because we don’t have to be perfect for God to love us; God’s love is capable of forgiving us our sins and putting us in right relationship with him. And being in right relationship with God can bring out the best in us in ways that projecting false images can never even come close to.
Let us pray. Faithful God, you see us as we truly are, and you love us as we truly are. Enable us to recognize and confess our sins, that we may receive your forgiveness. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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