1 John: This Is Love: A 5-Day Reading Plan With Nicole SmitheeSample

Key Verse: 1 John 2:1-2

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. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Reflection:

I am so grateful that God doesn’t call us to pursue holiness and then when we fall short, respond in judgment: “Well, I guess you don’t make the cut. I guess you don’t have what it takes. I guess you aren’t deserving of another chance.” No, God knew we were going to struggle with sin. He knew we would falter and fail. In His perfect love, He provided a way we could overcome the power of sin.

You don’t have to live in shame about the sin you have committed, the sin done to you, or the sin around you. They don’t have to become the label on your life and the limiting factor in your life. Addicted. Loser. Failure. Confused. Broken. Damaged. Impure. Bully. Hothead.

No! Because of what Jesus did for you on the cross, sin doesn’t have to define you, and it certainly doesn't have to separate you from God. Jesus is your Advocate. In your sin, Jesus, who is the sinless Savior, the one who atoned for all our sins on the cross, stands before God the Father and vouches for you. His blood that was slain covers you. Now, sin doesn’t have the final say - Jesus does. You don’t have to hide your sin, justify your sin, or live in fear because of your sin. Instead, you can turn to God and confess your sin. You can receive His mercy, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome, experience love and support from other believers, and obey Jesus’ teachings.