Day Six: Confessing to God

How long has it been since you’ve done something wrong—and been caught? Or needed to confess wrongdoing to a loved one or superior? Do you remember that sinking feeling? The embarrassment. The blood draining from your face. The dread of consequences.

· How long since you’ve felt that same reaction to confessing sin to God?

For many of us, confession and repentance are items we check off a spiritual to-do list rather than a reawakened wonder of the need and gift of grace. Too often, we seek peace more than purity; the easy way over the wise path. 

King Hezekiah slipped into this spiritual malaise late in his reign, when pride replaced good sense, and he showed a Babylonian delegation all the wealth of Judah. Isaiah prophesied God’s judgment—a punishment to be meted out generations later—and Hezekiah’s response was troubling. Though he acknowledged God’s judgment as right, his thoughts revealed a cavalier attitude, seemingly unconcerned that his sin grieved the Lord.

· If someone recorded your thoughts about your sins, what attitudes would be revealed?

New Testament Confession

From studying the Greek words in Jesus’ teachings, we discover sin (missing the mark) can occur by willful choice or unintended error. Our first response must always be agreement that we’ve sinned (confession) and then repentance (turning away).

Jesus met a woman, caught by the Pharisees in the act of adultery, with both mercy and care. He challenged anyone without sin to cast the first stone. When none could, the crowd dispersed, but before releasing the woman, Jesus also challenged her to repent. Mercy isn’t kind if it leaves people stuck in sin.

No Condemnation

Perhaps you face the opposite issue and feel overwhelmed by the weight of your sin. Two men betrayed Jesus on the night of His crucifixion. Judas hung himself, and Peter became the solid foundation of the early church. The real difference was their relationship with Jesus after they sinned. Judas offered a false kiss. Peter wept bitterly and was restored.

A soft and sincere heart endures no condemnation and is promised forgiveness. These promises await anyone who responds to the Spirit’s gentle conviction. 

· What sin has the Spirit brought to mind as you’ve read this? Let your heart take Peter’s path to restoration.

Fuel for the Soul:

· Isaiah 39

· John 8:2-11

· Matthew 26:47-50

· Luke 22:60-62

· Romans 8:1-2

· 1 John 1:8-9