Our Epistle reading is 1 John 1:1-2:2.
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 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. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
John writes to a diverse group of believers in various locations about the forgiveness of sins. He reminds us that Jesus has washed us clean and we have an obligation to follow the Him. While we are still prone to sin, we can repent and live by His grace.
Sin is that seed inside that makes us think of ourselves first, ignoring our responsibility to God and the needs of others. When we fall prey to its temptation, we separate ourselves from God. Jesus showed that through confessing our mistake and earnestly wanting to escape its hold on us, we can renew our relationship with Him.
We grow in faith each time we avoid old patterns of wrongdoing and become stronger through God’s love for us. We may never be completely free of sin’s distractions but we can live more abundantly through His gifts to us. Give your weakness to God that He may keep you safe.
Loving Lord, we are always under attack from the power of evil, wanting to separate us from Your kingdom. Help us to avoid the trap of sin and know Your forgiveness. Amen.