“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Before you panic I want to remind us of the old saying, “Public sin, public confession – private sin, private confession.” This verse is not suggesting we all need to tell the world about ever thing we do that cost our savior His life. However, we do need to confess first to God and then to those hurt or offended by our sin. The dictionary tells us that to renounce means, “reject and stop using or consuming.” As difficult as confession is I would suggest, just like giving up sweets, renouncing is the real battle for me. I came to a very clear understanding decades ago that I’m a sinner. I also discovered pretty much everyone else knew that. When I confess to God I know He is not stunned and He stands ready to forgive me and move forward. I thought those I sinned against were not quite so understanding. Although certain sin was more disruptive in my relationships I still found that as co sinners they typically understood and were also ready, maybe with a bit more time, to forgive and move forward. Not repeating our sin will always be the real battle. Some sins I discarded early in my walk with God. Others I battle as much today as I did over 40 years ago. It is the curse of a fallen world and my weakness. But battle them I will, through the power of the Holy Spirit, believing that as the alcoholic learns it is a day at a time and victory today is a win. Tomorrow is a new battle. I am also a firm believer that as we are “doing the do’s of God’s kingdom it leaves less time to do the don’t’s.” Remember His love for you is not based on your behavior. Amen to that. Today confess whenever and to whomever is necessary and then fight the good fight. #BeTheEdge
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 NIV
