Scripture

1 John 1:8 (New Century Version)

If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Consider

A sure step toward resolving a quarrel is to confess our own sins before we accuse others of theirs. Our refusing to forgive often stems from a stubborn attitude of moral superiority. Yes, we claim, I’ve made mistakes, but I’m not as bad as she is!

If we are willing to look, we will see our sins most glaringly displayed in our relationship conflicts. Often the qualities we can’t stand in the other person are the very ones we refuse to see in ourselves. The practice of acknowledging how we have hurt others makes us humble and helps us to see both sides of a conflict more clearly, no longer blinded by our need to be right or to feel superior.

A beautiful outcome of admitting our guilt to one another and asking forgiveness is that our prayer life becomes more effective. Honesty before God helps us to receive his word to us, especially if it is a rebuke or a command to do something that will cost us. Prayer also opens our hearts and our relationships to the powerful healing work of the Holy Spirit.

Pray

FATHER, I recognize that I am too quick to judge others, especially when I am hiding from my own sins. Cleanse me from the damaging notion that I am morally superior to anyone. Show me my sins, as painful as that may be, so that I may confess them to you and to others. Then give me grace to hear your words of correction and healing. As I learn to seek your forgiveness, teach me how I can forgive others.

Reflect

James 5:16; Romans 3:23

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What makes confessing our wrongdoing to another person so difficult?