Golden Nugget: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Daily Verse: “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

Daily Message:
Deep inside, we all long for a fresh start. But often our lives are cluttered with so many mistakes that the thought of coming clean can be overwhelming. New beginnings can be complicated. 

Forgiveness means a debt has been canceled, the slate has been wiped clean, and a fresh start has been given. Yet here’s the irony of coming clean: the more we reveal our failures and flaws, the more marked we feel. Have you ever experienced this? 

Have you ever shied away from confessing a wrongdoing or offense to another person because you were afraid that person might reject you? Sometimes “coming clean” actually stains us in the eyes of others.

I’m glad that’s not so with God.

The good news is that if you come clean with God, not only does he forgive you, but he does something you’re incapable of doing yourself: he makes you clean. He doesn’t label you; he purifies you. He doesn’t reject you; he welcomes you.

Consider This:

• Forgiveness means that you are free to go, but cleansing means that you are free to come, welcomed into his presence. What would you like for God to forgive you for? 
• Are there any mistakes that are keeping your heart in bondage?

Take Action:
Take some time to journal about any past mistakes or regrets that are still haunting you. Ask God for forgiveness and then move on with a clean slate, leaving those regrets in your journal.