David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”

2 Samuel 12:13a

Brian dropped his backpack on the floor and sank into his favorite chair. His eyes looked as though he had been crying. “Did something bad happen at kindergarten today?” his mother asked. “Josh and this other kid were teasing one of the girls. They even laughed at her when she was trying to read,” Brian answered. “What happened next?” Mother asked. “The teacher made Josh and this other kid stay inside during recess,” Brian answered, starting to cry again. “Who was the other kid?” Mother prodded. “It was ME!” Brian answered, weeping.

Confession is good for the soul. Confession, followed by Mother’s assurance of Jesus’ love and forgiveness, led Brian to look for ways he could share Jesus’ love with the child he had offended.

Eileen Ritter
Byron Center, MI

Dear Father, I am the “other kid,” sinning against you by _______________. Forgive my sin for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Reflect: In worship, we confess our sins together and receive God’s forgiveness (absolution).

Read: 1 Samuel 12:1-14 and 1 John 1:9-10