Confess and Forsake
There has been a lot of talk about community and accountability in recent years. But there also seems to be a lot of stories of Christian or other leaders who rise to "power" and influence and then fall. Along the way many talk about integrity and community but they often retreat from it when sin lurks.
This has been my own story. I have struggled over the years with "secret" sins and thought that sharing them would just cause more problems. Can you relate? But God is calling us to have the mind of Christ, which includes being vulnerable and humble enough to be real.
We ALL struggle with "secret" sins! What person knows the struggles of your mind and heart completely? But we can build relationships that keep it real, in which we can find the mercy we need.
James 5:16 teaches us that to confess sins to trusted friends can bring healing. Prove 3:7-8 teaches that the fear of the Lord brings healing and refreshing to our bodies. And here in Prov 28:13 we learn that to confess and forsake sin brings mercy. But to conceal sin is to restrain God's blessing...
"Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy."
(Proverbs 28:13 NIV)
YBH?
1. Take inventory of your heart, your fears, expectations, sins, and confess it openly to God.
2. Pray for a trusted Christian friend to confess your sin to as well. Ask them to pray for you and help encourage you in those struggles.
3. Rely on God's grace completely. When we humble ourselves God gives grace, when we act with pride He resists us.
Created 10 months ago
