How do I view my sin?

1 John 1:5-10
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
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. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

How do I view sin?
Here, John clearly explains the nature of sin and our need for a savior.
First, John declares that God is light. This refers to His moral perfection. If God is Light and morally perfect, those who walk in darkness have no part with God. People love darkness and have a tendency not only toward dark behavior but to let darkness hide their dark behavior (John 3:19-21). In this, John points out our personal or private sin. This type of behavior, though it seems to be private, still destroys fellowship with both God and others.
To this, some might suggest that while they do make mistakes at times, they are still good people. This is deception. To deny our sin nature or our primitive sin is to be ignorant of the devastation sin has rendered in the human nature and our desperate need for a Savior. Consequentially, confession is not only admitting our sinful behavior, but also our sinful nature and propensity or bent toward sin at the heart level. Finally, John deals with our practical sin. If we deny a regular and daily struggle with sin, a sin pattern, we are in denial of the depravity sin has rendered in our lives. The reality is, the further we walk into God's light, the more recognizable are our sins and the more we realize the extent of sins influence. However, recognizing our common struggle and embracing the truth of His Word will give us the vision and strength to win this battle against sin.
As people we are drawn to darkness, deception and denial but the blood of Christ cleanses us from all this and gives us the power to overcome. The question is, "how will I view my sin?"

Father, help me to recognize my darkness, to see the devastation of sin and my own depravity. Teach me to confess my sin and seek out Your forgiveness and cleansing each day. Teach me to walk in the light and to remain connected to You and Your Word. Let my light shine bright and point others to You. Amen.