Read: 1 John 1:1-10
Bible in a Year: Psalms 46–48; Acts 28
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant. Psalm 119:176
My friend Norm Cook sometimes had a surprise for his family when
he arrived home from work. He would walk through the front door, and
shout, “You’re forgiven!” It wasn’t that family members had wronged him
and needed his forgiveness. He was reminding them that though
they doubtless had sinned throughout the day, they were by God’s grace
fully forgiven.
The apostle John supplies this note about grace: “If we walk in
the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim
to be without sin [no inclination to sin], we deceive ourselves and the
truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and
will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John
1:7–9).
To “walk in the light” is a metaphor for following Jesus. Imitating
Jesus with the Spirit’s help, John insists, is the sign that we have
joined with the apostles in the fellowship of faith. We are authentic
Christians. But, he continues, let’s not be deceived: We will make wrong
choices at times. Nevertheless, grace is given in full measure: We can
take what forgiveness we need.
Not perfect; just forgiven by Jesus! That’s the good word for today.
Lord, I know I’m not even close to being perfect. That’s why I need You and Your cleansing in my life. I’m lost without You.
Monitor your heart daily to avoid wandering from God’s wisdom.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
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