The Comfort of Coming Clean

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”
1 John 1:10 (NIV)

Despite songs declaring this the “happiest season of all,” 55% of Americans experience sadness and loneliness during the holidays. In fact, 80% of adults consider the holiday season the most stressful time of year. 

The perceived happiness in December can discount the reality of actual struggles in your family, finances or even your faith. But Jesus Christ validates your struggles. And His coming is a promise of comfort. 

Christmas gives you the comfort that God has come to solve your greatest problem–the problem of sin. And the only comfort for the problem of sin is forgiveness. 

In today’s verses, the Apostle John says that the only route to forgiveness, purity and truth is through confession. The reason why God convicts you of sin is so that you will be moved to confess your sin. 

We are living in a world today where the word “sin” is seldom if ever used. A person who has an affair or embezzles money may say they’ve made a “mistake.” But there is a big difference between a sin and a mistake. 

If I add 2+2 and I get 5 that is not a sin – that is a mistake. But, if I purposely report to the IRS $10,000 income last year and not $100,000 that is not a mistake – that is a sin. Mistakes need to be corrected. Sins need to be forgiven. 

Jesus didn’t come at Christmas to be born and live and die on a cross for our mistakes; He came to die for our sins. 

At times, you may deny or dilute your sin with thoughts like, “I’m not the only one that has done this” or “Well, things happen.” You might defend your sins saying “Well, I was young,” “I didn’t know what I was doing,” “I was under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” or “I was desperate.” But God wants to invite you to join Him in truth–in confession.  

Confessing sin is more than just admitting sin. The word “confess” comes from two words – the word “homo” which literally means “the same” and the word “logeo” which means “to say.” It means to “say the same thing.” When you confess sin you come into agreement with God.

As you agree with God, you fellowship with Him. That means you experience a close relationship. The Apostle John goes on to say in verse six, “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” (1 John 1:6) 

Fellowship means you are in agreement, forgiven and closely connected with God in truth.

God is your father and you are His child. You can enjoy a close and secure relationship with Him. If you have any unconfessed sin, repent so that you not only experience the joy of your salvation. Receive the comfort, joy, relief, and satisfaction of knowing there is no unconfessed sin in your life and enjoy close fellowship with your God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the comfort You give in this season. I’m not interested in singing songs of empty comfort–I want to fellowship with You. Show me any unconfessed sin in my heart. Help me come into agreement with You, not denying or defending myself, but relying upon You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.