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.
Psalms 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Genesis 50:20
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Luke 17:4
And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
Matthew 18:21
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.