1 John 1:9 (NRSV)
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Verse 9If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Devotion
The ashes of this day remind us that “we are dust and to dust we shall return.” Our life is thoroughly polluted unto death by sin. Death is a certain reality. But the writer of I John indicates that the way out is through the confession of our sinful condition. However, the final solution to our unrighteousness is not ultimately in our act of confession, but in the one who is faithful and just who promises to forgive and cleanse us.
Prayer
O faithful and just Jesus, help me to confess my sin and unrighteousness, but more importantly, help me to hear that you will forgive and cleanse me. Amen.