July 25: 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

These things are written not to cultivate in us the thought that we may be overtaken with faults through carelessness...and then go to the Lord for forgiveness. Quite the contrary, these assurances of Divine favor and willingness to forgive are designed to have upon our hearts a mellowing influence which will make us all the more careful to avoid sin....We may keep so closely in touch with the Lord in the spirit of our minds that we may have continual fellowship with Him: and by confessing our faults and seeking His forgiveness we may continue to the end of our journey clean from sin, even though we must still acknowledge the imperfections of the flesh. R2235-36