A missionary was once visited... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

A missionary was once visited by a native who gave the impression that he was troubled about something. He said he had something on his conscience and wanted to talk about it. After some hesitation he finally admitted that he had stolen something. "Stolen?" asked the missionary, "Well, what have you stolen?" - "Oh, it was only a rope" - "Well then, go to the person you stole it from and give him his rope back. Confess that you did it, and tell him that you are sorry."

A few days later the thief re-appeared, saying that he not yet found any peace. So the missionary asked him, "Did you truly tell me the whole ­story?" - "To tell the truth, no. There was something on the end of the rope." - "What was it?" - "Well, it was a cow!"

What happened here illustrates a common inclination: for fear of punishment, or not wanting to lose face, we are more ready to admit to the rope than the cow. And our fellowmen often are satisfied, if we at least admit to a part of our guilt.

God however, is not satisfied with an incomplete confession. He expects a blunt and frank confession of the entire guilt of our life. And we need not fear losing our face before Him, since He has a thorough knowledge of us, even of our most secret thoughts. But if we confess our sins to Him sincerely, He will not punish us, but forgive us everything. God is "faithful and just" in forgiving us our sins, because His own Son, Jesus Christ, died for sinners.

Today's reading: Judges 5:12-31 · 2 Corinthians 5:1-9