How do my sins affect others?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 4 - Confess to the Other Person, Question 5, p. 57
For context you may wish to review our two previous blog posts.
In Lesson 3, we explored the consequences of justifying ourselves. We often try to defend our actions and rationalize our behaviors, but the Bible provides profound insights into why this is not the path we should follow. Let's reflect on this through the lens of 1 John 1:8, John 14:6, 1 John 1:10, John 1:1, and 1 John 1:9.
1 John 1:8 tells us, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." By replacing 'the truth' with Jesus, as denoted in John 14:6 – "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" – the verse reads, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and Jesus is not in us." This starkly highlights that self-justification is a form of self-deception where we distance ourselves from Jesus. By denying our sins, we essentially exclude Jesus from our lives, who is the embodiment of truth.
James, in his self-justification, falls into this trap. Just like many of us, he strives to present himself as righteous, ignoring the inherent flaws and sins that mark our human existence. This act of self-deception is dangerous because it separates us from the transformative power of Jesus, who came to earth to redeem and guide us.
1 John 1:10 further explains this point: "If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." Here, replacing 'his word' with Jesus, as we see in John 1:1 – "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." – the verse reads, "If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and Jesus is not in us." This directly condemns the act of self-justification, as it not only deceives ourselves but also disrespects Jesus, denying his presence and power in our lives.
However, there is hope and comfort found in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Acknowledging our sins and failures brings us closer to Jesus, who is faithful and just. He offers forgiveness and cleansing, freeing us from the burden of self-justification and leading us towards a life of true righteousness.
The scriptures urge us to abandon self-justification and embrace the liberating truth of Jesus, who forgives and redeems us. Let us confess our sins, acknowledge our imperfections, and allow Jesus to transform our hearts and lives.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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