1 John 1:9 KJV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.King James Version
The same verse in modern English
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9, World English Bible (WEB)
Sitting with this verse
The letter, traditionally linked with the apostle John, is written to believers. The verses on either side warn against claiming to have no sin. Here the remedy is simple: to confess is to agree with God about what you have done. The hope rests on God's character, faithful and just, not on how well you apologize. Is there something you have been explaining away? Name it plainly before him, and receive the cleansing he offers.
From 1 John 1
God is light, with no darkness at all, and confession opens the way to cleansing. Is there something you have kept in the shadows? Bring it gently into his light.
Read 1 John 1 slowlyA verse a day for seven days, by email
Join Seven Days of Stillness: a short email each day for a week, each with a Bible verse and a quiet thought for your time with God. Free, and you can stop at any time.