The Apostle John is making it clear that Christians still sin, but he is writing to us so that we would live with a desire not to do so and to urge us to never to be okay with sin as a lifestyle.

God always, always, makes a way out! “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it”. (1 Cor 10:13)

Our flesh wages war against our spirit, but we should strive to always look for the way out of sin—and diligently train ourselves in righteousness by studying the Word and praying.

But sometimes, we will fail.

We always have a choice not to sin, but as the Apostle Paul has said, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”(Rom 7:15)

We fail and, thank God, let’s remember we we have an Advocate whose blood has covered our past, present and future sins!

Jesus made this atonement for the sins of the whole world, yet only those who call on the Name of the Lord will be saved. He forces no one to receive this free gift, and no one else can accept it for you.

John tells us those who call on the Name of the Lord have an “Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1)

And further understand this —for Christians, our Advocate is not there arguing that we did not commit the sin. He knows we did. We know we did.

No, Jesus is there as our Advocate because He (the only righteous One) took the entire penalty of that sin, when He died a bloody horrible death that separated Him from the Father! He paid the price once and for all!

And friends, if God has forgiven us because of the blood of His Son, and remembers our sins no more (go read Heb 8:12) -we should know it is not Christ who reminds us of our past sins or the past sins of others… it is the evil one.

Read that again! Seriously, please do and let’s remember this and remind each other!

The truth is we need to squash the voice of the evil accuser so we can walk in freedom!

Every time the enemy reminds you of your sin, you should praise the Lord for His forgiveness!

And, one more thing, some of us need to stop helping the evil one remind others of their past sins…including our husbands!

If God has forgotten it, who are we to bring it up?! (Ouch! I just stepped on my own toes!)

Let’s intentionally be like our Savior and show forgiveness and grace. Life is better when we follow the Lord.

We really can trust Him more than we trust us -and there’s some beautiful freedom when we do!

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