Tonight as we did devotion and prayed, I asked my kids if they confess their sins and ask God for forgiveness when they pray. As I reminded them of what sin is, I offered to give them both an example of how I ask for forgiveness when I pray. Although I reminded them both that my way doesn’t have to be there way, what I wanted them to know is that this is an important part of being a disciple of Jesus.
The Scripture tells us: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NIV) As I explained to my children, we don’t have to come to God begging and pleading for forgiveness, it has been paid for by the blood of Jesus. This also shouldn’t be a mechanical ritual where we try to “wipe the slate clean” each night before bed.
Confessing my sin tonight as a father, I pray that my children know that even daddy needs God’s grace (especially daddy – 1 Timothy 1:15). As I told my them both, we don’t ask for forgiveness with the intention of continuing to do the same things. Inevitability when I do what I don’t want to do (Romans 7:15-20), I realize God isn’t done with me yet (Philippians 1:6) and I praise Him and thank Him for His loving kindness and patience.
To summarize, God already knows your sins… but you need to acknowledge them before Him. This is the first step in the healing process and a continual part of growing as a disciple. Although I fail Him a million times, His grace is sufficient for me. If you’ve never placed your faith in Jesus, you can know this forgiveness and freedom, visit http://www.myemanuel.com/i-am-ready for more details.
I leave you with this poem that simply captures what I hope my children always remember from tonight’s devotion:
