Proverbs 28:13
Proverbs 28:13
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
This verse teaches us that the conditions of freedom are confession and amendment. When we make mistakes, the first instinct is to hide. It’s our human nature to overlook our mistakes and run away from punishment. Even if no one finds out about the mistakes you made, have you ever forgotten about them? The answer is most likely no. We can hide our mistakes from others, but we will not be able to hide them from ourselves or from God. Dwelling on our sins prevents us from receiving God’s mercy and doing the good works that God has called us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Before we can learn from a mistake, we need to admit it. God knew we would sin, but He did not abandon us. He offers us the way to receive forgiveness, which is to confess our sins to Him, make amends if they involve others, and take the necessary steps to avoid committing them again. Forgiveness starts with confession. Mercy comes when we turn from our sins and turn to God.
Matthew 6:15
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Luke 6:37
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Colossians 3:13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.