Read: 1 John 1:5-10

If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness.
-1 John 1:9

Once a week, a truck moves slowly down our street,
pausing at every house. Full and sometimes overflowing
garbage containers are picked up, emptied into the
truck, and returned to each house. During the next
week, as the rubbish accumulates and the odor increases,
we become eager for the return of the garbage truck.

More repulsive than this is the personal trash that
accumulates in our hearts and minds. Some of our
garbage – hatred, gossip, bitterness, lust – is
obviously foul. But even what looks like good deeds or
upright behavior can reek like garbage if contaminated
by our selfish pride.

The Bible calls our inner garbage “sin.” In 1 John
1:9, God’s disposal system is outlined: “If we confess
our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Confession
means calling our sins what God calls them. We needn’t
fear revealing them to Him, for He already knows them.

Thank God, His sin-disposal service is available
everywhere and every day, not just at church on Sunday.
He wants to get rid of your garbage. Why not let Him?
The moment you confess your sins to the Lord, He casts
them “into the depths of the sea” (Mic. 7:19).
-Joanie E. Yoder

He has buried them there –
Where no mortal can see!
He has cast all our sins
In the depths of the sea! -Anon.

THE BEST ERASER IN THE WORLD
IS AN HONEST CONFESSION TO GOD.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.