If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(1 John 1:8–9 NIV)

There’s an urban legend told about police in Radnor, Pennsylvania. They allegedly interrogated a suspect by placing a metal colander on his head and connecting it with wires to a photocopy machine.

The officers placed a piece of paper in the copier that read, “He’s lying,” and each time they thought the suspect wasn’t telling the truth, they pressed the copy button. Convinced that this strange contraption was a working lie detector, the suspect quickly confessed.

While this story is more folklore than fact, it raises an interesting question: if we truly believed that someone could tell whenever we were lying, would we be more inclined to speak the truth?  And if we fully believed that God knows every thought, every motive, and every word, could we be more honest before him?

The apostle John reminds us of the importance of honesty before God: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

We can’t deceive God because he knows everything. But we often deceive ourselves, pretending that our sins are minor, hidden, or justified.  Self-deception keeps us from experiencing the full relief and freedom that comes with God’s forgiveness.

Forgiveness must always begin with honesty.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

John assures us that we can experience God’s cleansing power when we admit the truth to him. The difference is that with God, there’s no need for wires, flashing lights, or metal colanders.  He sees our hearts and he offers grace.

Take a moment for honest reflection. Confess your sins to God openly, without trying to justify, hide, or minimize them. Experience the peace that comes from knowing that God is faithful to forgive, to restore, and to cleanse.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be honest before you in every part of my life. Forgive me for the ways I try to hide or justify my sins, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank you for your faithful love and the forgiveness that is available when I come to you in truth.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day