Confession Without Self-Hatred | Lent Devotional Day 9

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
February 26, 2026
Written by: Charity Goodwin

Confession Without Self-Hatred

Scripture:

1 John 1:8–9; Psalm 51:10–12
8 If we claim, “We don’t have any sin,” we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong. - 1 John 1:8-9

10 Create a clean heart for me, God;
    put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!
11 Please don’t throw me out of your presence;
    please don’t take your holy spirit away from me.
12 Return the joy of your salvation to me
    and sustain me with a willing spirit. - Psalm 51:10-12

Reflection:

Because Christ has acted for us, confession becomes safer. We can tell the truth without spiraling into shame. Penal substitution invites a clean honesty: “This is real, and God has real mercy.”

Practice (10 minutes):

Write a simple confession using three lines:

1. “God, here is what I did / avoided / held onto…”
2. “Here is the harm it caused (in me, in others, in you)…”
3. “Because of Jesus, I receive cleansing and a new heart.”
   End with one sentence of gratitude

Prayer:

'I receive the words of assurance and forgiveness: That Christ died for me when I was sinner. That proves God’s love for me. And therefore in the name of Jesus Christ, I am forgiven. May I receive God’s forgiveness and may I accept forgiveness from myself in time. Amen.

Reflection Question:

What changes for you when confession is about returning to love, not earning it?

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