CONFESSING SIN WITH REMORSE KEEPS YOUR HEART SOFT PROVERBS 28 (NIV) Verses 13 and 14: HIDING SIN “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.” COMMENTARY: We know Solomon does not speak of hiding sin from God, since God sees and knows everything we do. There are, however, those who pretend even to God they have done no wrong. There are those who reject the idea of God just so they do not have to acknowledge sin. Yet, when they are wronged, they are the first to speak up. These people are a long way from knowing God. Ignoring sin before God is ludicrous. Here Solomon is speaking about “concealing sin” before those around us. The New Testament is clear that we are to confess our sins to one to another, and thereby be healed/forgiven (James 5). This confession, whether it is between clergy and parishioner, between husband and wife, between close friends, keeps the heart from hardening. Without verbal remorse for sin there is no accountability, and so next time the opportunity for sin presents itself the heart is a little harder and we do it again. We change and harden in small increments. The light on the path to hell eventually goes out. BUT, WHAT ABOUT DONT AIR DIRTY LAUNDRY? The other side of this argument is the old adage “don’t air your dirty laundry for all to see.” This old phrase is talking about just blathering on about how sinful you have been with no sense of remorse and no sense of needing to change. Living like an open book is only pleasing to God and man if you are able to confess and renounce the behavior with fear and as this passage says “ALWAYS trembling before God.” No boasting, no pride, just deep sadness that one has wronged God, himself and others. We tremble because we know something has to be done to address our past wrongs - someone must pay for the sin. Justice reigns on the earth and payment must be made. Thank God’s Son Jesus stepped forth and took sin upon Himself for all who would take the burden off their own shoulders and lay it at Jesus’ feet. James 5:13-16 (NIV): “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have SINNED, they will be FORGIVEN. Therefore CONFESS YOUR SINS TO EACH OTHER and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Posted on: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 17:12:10 +0000
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