Reading
“If we claim, “We don’t have any sin,” we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong.”
1 John 1:8-9
Reflection
I like to think I’m a pretty decent person. I pray and read scripture regularly. I try to live like Jesus as best I can every day, and yet I so often fall short. And while I regularly ask those I’ve hurt for forgiveness when I know I’ve hurt them, I fail to recognize how I’ve hurt those I’ve overlooked, or even creation itself.
I assume I’m not the only person who feels this way.
Our United Methodist tradition has a beautiful communion liturgy that helps me think through the people and places I overlook. Within the liturgy, there is a time of confession and pardon that allows us to pause and think about the ways that we have fallen short as well as a reminder of God’s merciful grace.
During your devotional time today, read slowly line-by-line through this Confession and Pardon and pause to name your wrongs before God and ask forgiveness.
“Merciful God,
We confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have failed to be an obedient church.
We have not done your will,
We have broken your law,
We have rebelled against your love,
We have not loved our neighbors,
We have not heard the cry of the needy.
Forgive us we pray.
Free us for joyful obedience,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Pray in silence.
“Hear the good news:
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners;
That proves God’s love toward us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Glory to God. Amen.”
Confession reminds us we don’t have to be perfect. God created us all called us good, knowing we would make mistakes. When we name our shortcomings to God through confession, we acknowledge our imperfections in a way that allows us to make better choices going forward. In receiving God’s grace and pardon, we are freed “for joyful obedience,” to go and love more like Jesus moving forward.
Prayer
Merciful God,
May I receive your grace,
May I be your grace,
May I give your grace to others, joyfully.
Amen.
