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 (NIV)

When my children were little I was cleaning up in the living room one day and realized that someone had drawn on the back of a leather recliner with an ink pen. I asked the children how this happened and each of them looked at me with this innocent questioning look. One of them said, “Dad, I have no idea how this happened. I didn’t do it.” All of my interrogation techniques seemed to meet with failure.

Later on I noticed that one of them seemed rather sullen. I suspected there might be some connection to the artwork on the back of my chair. I asked, “Is there something wrong?” Does this have some connection to the writing on the chair,” I questioned. There was a reluctant nod. I said, “Why don’t you tell me what happened,” and a tearful remorseful and full confession followed.

After my instructions about not writing on furniture there was an embrace accompanied by great sobs. I gave my full forgiveness and the matter had been settled.

It’s like this with God. When we have done something wrong we can confess to Him and He forgives us. It doesn’t matter how great our sin is His Word promises that He completely forgives us. What great relief to know that we can find forgiveness of all our sins in Him.

You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19 (NIV)