(1 John 1:8-10 and 2:1-2) If we claim to be without 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.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.  My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

As one who has been walking with the Lord for some time, I find myself often falling short of the glory of God, which is sin.  I also find myself much more aware of my short comings as I get closer to the Lord.  Any actions which are not loving, patient, or kind are sins, since they fall short of the Glory of God.  Unfortunately, these are actions which often occur in my daily life.  What hope would I have if not for Jesus and the grace he paid such a dear price to provide for me?

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus instructs us to ask Our Father to forgive us of our sins (see Mathew 6:8-13).  I need to pray this prayer daily.  There are times when my sin is more willful and obvious.  Then my prayer is more specific, and my heart more deeply repentant.

 I love my Father, and he loves me.  He has, through his grace, provided me with this relationship, and it is in the context of this relationship that I can deal with sin.

In this life, sin is something with which we must constantly contend.  As God’s children we have been forgiven for our past sins, and we are being continually forgiven for our present and future sins because God is faithful.  All we have to do is ask.

We needed a way to overcome our sins.  Jesus came, and he gave us the solution for our sins by becoming the ransom for our sins.  He covered all the sins that have been and will be committed by all people from the beginning of the world to the end.   Those who receive him are granted his gift of forgiveness, and they will be set free from their debt of sin, declared righteous, and granted eternal life.  God’s love for us is amazingly wonderful.