In the above passage from 1 John, John is telling the people to not sin. However, he knew they would sin. So he goes on to tell them that when they do sin, there is One who will go to the Father for us, all of us. Jesus was made into a sacrifice just for our sins. As I thought of how this applies to my life I thought how wonderful it would be to just stop at that first sentence. Do not sin. Period. I was told not to so now I just won't. I wish it were that easy. But it isn't. John knew it wasn't which is why he goes on to tell them about Jesus. God knew it wasn't which is why He sent His Son. Jesus knew it wasn't which is why He died for us. We are human, we sin daily. Hourly even. Maybe we are not out murdering, stealing, or cheating on our spouse. But we get attitudes, we over eat, we become lazy, we disrespect our spouse (even unintentionally sometimes), we sometimes do the "little sins" but the truth is, sin is sin.
So now we know that we sin every single day. What can we do about it? John tells us that we can go to Jesus. Jesus is the living sacrifice for us. His body was broken and His blood was shed just for us. Jesus goes on our behalf to the Father. Jesus is like our lawyer going to the judge for us.John tells us to try not to sin. We know we will, we are human. God knows we will, He created us. But we still need to try not to sin. We need to seek to live a life holy and righteous before Him. But when we do sin, be quick to repent. Ask forgiveness and turn away from that sin.
Father, please forgive me of all of my sins. When I do sin help me to recognize it for what it is and be quick to ask forgiveness and turn away from the sin. Help me to live a life holy and pleasing before You. Amen.
Linking with:
Thought Provoking Thursday
Grace Cafe
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Hi Jenifer - I like what you say at the end - 'but when we do sin, be quick to repent' Amen
ReplyDeleteGreat post
God bless
Tracy
Repentance is a wonderful gift and the way to continue in relationship with the Lord. I'm with you I just wish I didn't do it, period! I'm so grateful for His love and His blood that covers me. Great post Jenifer :)
ReplyDeleteGod knows and so He provides. :) Love this truth.
ReplyDeleteRepentance is a key to the door of the most amazing relationship I have ever had in my life! Great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Heidi. My post today was on dying to sin, how we keep sinning and how dying is a process. And then reading your post just reinforced that I need to come to him today because He is here waiting to heal and forgive me.
ReplyDeleteThankful for His forgiveness He provdied by His sacrifice over 2,000 years ago...and its cleansing still for me today!
ReplyDeleteJenifer - this is such a wonderful post. I think that too often, Christians live in condemnation (often self-inflicted) because we can't live sinless lives. However, as this passage of scripture so lovingly explains, we have One who not only died for our sins, but speaks to the Father on our behalf.
ReplyDeleteI love the sweet prayer you prayed. We should be quick to repent and turn away from our sins.
Thank you for linking up with the Grace Cafe today.
Blessings,
Joan
Amen Jenifer.
ReplyDeleteWhen we call to Him in our brokenness, Jesus' cleansing sacrifice brings God's grace for us to bear.
Beautiful prayer!
Have a Blessed Day!