My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. — 1 John 2:1 KJV
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. — 1 John 2:1 NIV
Reflection
Sin is something that God abhors. Don’t you? I know I do. But isn’t it remarkable how we keep getting ourselves into the same old snares over and over again? At this point, John, being the compassionate Shepherd that he was, knocks the proverbial nail on the head. The objective is to avoid committing even a single sin. John offers reassurance to those of us who are striving to live lives that are obedient to God and free from sin. He is aware of the battle we wage against our body. He wants us to know that the sacrifice for our sins, God’s Son, is also our defense counsel who proclaims us sinless by his blood when we do sin. This is what he means when he tells us this. Therefore, let us get closer to Christ. Let us remember to make room for him in our hearts each morning as we start the new day. Let us put our faith in his omnipotence and grace to keep us going and see us through this difficult time. Once we do it, he will too!
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, there is no one or anything that can compare to you. It was not necessary for me to make the sacrifice to atone for my sins. Despite the fact that my sins tore a hole in your chest, you still offered that sacrifice. Please make use of me today as I try to give myself, my life, and my future back to you as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to you as I try to say thank you for your grace. I ask that you do this by allowing me to give myself back to you, along with my life and my future. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.