John writes his epistle as a safeguard so that we might not practice sin in our lives (I John 2:1). We all know that there is never a need to sin and yet we find ourselves sinning, most of the time without even realizing it. Sin affects our entire being and hinders our blessed fellowship with God. It affects our spiritual reasoning and our ability to understand and do the will of God. As genuine Christians, God has provided for us two Advocates - one with the Father in heaven, Who will come to our defense when we confess our sin (I John 1:9) and one Who dwells within us, Who convicts us of our sin and guides us into all truth (John 16:1-13). There is both joy and comfort in knowing that confession of sin will bring God's faithful forgiveness.