If we

WORDs of Saving Grace - if we

1 John 1:8-9

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

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

IF is certainly a conditional term. Not everyone realizes that we are all sinners and fall short of God's standard of absolute perfection. And since this has been written it is an obvious concern that must be addressed.

To say "i know i am a sinner", or to say "i am only human and we all have faults", is different than being convicted by the Holy Spirit of a particular sin wherein God desires to help us.

For instance some may not realize that when they speak to others about bad choices other people have made, it is gossip and talebearing.

Leviticus 19:16

Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.

Notice in the Lord's command gossip is referenced in the same verse as murdering a neighbor!

To ask forgiveness of a sin is not true conviction unless it is accompanied by repentance (Mark 1:15). 

When Christ cleanses us of sin, He also replaces that desire to continue in that sin with a desire to please Him. We love Him, because He first commended His love toward us while we were still sinners, and died for us.

Luke 7:47

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.