Today’s first reading from 1 John is both comforting and challenging. Although we should strive to avoid sin, we’re given a promise that each and every time we do sin, God will offer us the gift of His mercy and forgiveness. We’re told that He will “forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing” and that “we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous one.”
We have an Advocate who sits at the right hand of God. The King of Kings, Jesus, is the expiation for our sin, and He has made the ultimate sacrifice so that we might be able to experience the joy of Heaven.
But, there’s a catch. In order to experience this joy, this forgiveness, this mercy, it is necessary for us to first acknowledge our sins.
The Scripture goes on to tell us, “If we say, ‘We have not sinned,’ we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”
It’s easy to justify our actions and make excuses for our behavior. We’re busy. We’re stressed. We’re tired. When it comes down to it, most of us are pretty easy on ourselves.
Today, look deep into your own heart. Don’t turn God into a liar. Admit to yourself and to God that you have sinned and fallen short of His glory. Reflect back on your day and think about the times you chose not to follow the way of the Lord. Seek His forgiveness and sincerely repent of wrongdoing.
Then, rejoice because He has made you clean and forgiven all your sins. Repeat this process as often as necessary. God will forgive you every time. Our God is not a liar.
Becky Roach is a member of the Communications staff at Fuzati, a strategic Catholic marketing company that seeks to place marketing and innovation at the service of the Church.
