1 John 1.8-10

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

 

In the musical Camelot, Lancelot sings a song of arrogance, bordering on narcissism.  The song is “C’est Moi”.  One portion speaks of what he believes would have transpired if he had been in the place of Adam;

I've never strayed
From all I believe
I'm blessed with an iron will
Had I been made
The partner of Eve
We'd be in Eden still

Maybe we even wonder if we would have done better.  But to end that speculation, John tells us that is self-deception.  John states here the same thing Paul tells us in Romans 3: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

We come to God knowing that we have sinned.  None of us really need another to point it out to us.  We know who we are and what we do.  God knows who we are and what we do.  There is no need to think we can hide it from him.  We can admit to him what we have done as we pray in a confession.  And we can know with full certainty that he forgives us, and he already has in the grace of Jesus. 

Let’s confess our sin, not the sin of another. Let us each receive the grace of his forgiveness that we need and be grateful that we have been included in his grace.

 

Prayer

God of mercy, we have done things against you and against each other.  We have harmed the planet and its creatures.  We are truly sorry. And we ask your forgiveness.  Help us walk in the way of your love.  Amen.

 

Song – There is a Redeemer

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