Day 38: The Power of Confession

Opening Scripture

1 John 1:8-10

⁸ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. (NIV)

Devotional Reflection

If we confess, He is faithful. As we consider the areas of our lives that our flesh does not want to relinquish, we see in today’s passage the power of confession.

Earlier in our journey, we reflected on how the early church devoted themselves to the breaking of bread. They did not distinguish between common meals and sacred meals. Each time they ate together, they broke bread and gave thanks to the Lord who loved them enough to send His only Son to die and cover the sins of all who believe. That daily practice formed them spiritually.

Confession is another practice we must employ regularly—if not daily—to form us in Christ.

When we confess, God’s faithfulness is stirred. The apostle Paul reminds the church that when we partner ourselves with the gospel of Jesus Christ, the work of salvation that Christ begins in us, He will also carry to completion (Philippians 1:6). We cling to the gospel, and God works in us—first for salvation, then for consecration, sanctification, and ultimately our arrival in heaven.

The word gospel means “good news.” The bad news is that we have all inherited a sinful nature from Adam, and that nature continues to produce sin in us until we reach our eternal home. But the good news is that Christ died in our place, allowing our sin to be punished without us receiving the punishment we deserve—eternal separation from God.

When we confess our sins, we are not necessarily declaring that our desire for that sin has vanished. Confession does not mean we are instantly ready to relinquish what our flesh still craves. Confession is agreement with God. It is the acknowledgment that what we have done violates His will, and that He alone is God.

Every confession of sin is also an exaltation of Christ. Scripture teaches that we eat the fruit of our lips (Proverbs 18:21). As we continue to confess our sins before God, the Holy Spirit works within us. Even if we begin without a desire to change, ongoing confession partners us with the gospel by faith. Over time, the Spirit reshapes our hearts, producing remorse, repentance, gratitude for forgiveness, and a deeper desire for devotion.

What do you need to begin confessing?

Do not allow the desires of the flesh to keep you from partnering with the gospel. Confess, and trust that the Holy Spirit will move within you—and that He will not stop until He has brought the work He began to completion.

The Examen

1. What sins, attitudes, or patterns have I been avoiding naming honestly before God?

2. How might regular confession be forming my heart toward greater humility, gratitude, and devotion?

Lectio Divina Scripture

Psalms 32:5

⁵ Then I acknowledged my sin to you

and did not cover up my iniquity.

I said, “I will confess

my transgressions to the LORD.”

And you forgave

the guilt of my sin. (NIV)

Read the passage slowly out loud several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, give me the courage to confess honestly and the faith to trust Your forgiveness. Form my heart through confession so that I may grow in gratitude, repentance, and deeper devotion to You. Amen.