Conceal Or Confess
Monday, July 29
Proverbs 28:13-14 (NKJV)
“He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity."
Devotion
Scripture tells a different story. The only way to truly prosper is living in repentance. Repentance is turning away from something to Jesus. The specific language used in this verse is forsaking. We don’t receive God’s mercy and blessing simply by saying “I’m sorry.” We receive His blessing and mercy when we turn completely away from it, leaving it behind. Notice also, prospering is held in parallel with receiving mercy. Obtaining this mercy is how Christians truly live prosperous lives, as defined by Scripture (3 John 1:2).
Scripture exhorts us to confess our sins to God so we may be forgiven (1 John 1:9).
James 5:16 also entreats us to "confess [our] sins to one another ... that [we] may be healed."
The Greek word for "healed" in James 5:16 can also mean "restored" or "made whole.”
Even when our sin is not a direct offense against another person, after confessing and repenting to God, there is freedom in finding a mature believer whose confidentiality can be trusted and asking them for prayer and wise counsel. Confession of sin brings the disobedient act into the light, demolishing its power to isolate and inflict shame. Galatians 6:1-2 calls us to spiritual accountability and bearing one another's burdens.
Only in Jesus will your deepest longings be fulfilled. If you are reading this today and are struggling with secret sin, confess and forsake it. Bring a brother or sister into your struggle so they can help you. Confess your sins and repent, it’s the only way to find true life.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
With regret, I repent of the wrongs I have committed, I confess of each sin, (name them), and I determine today not to keep repeating those wrongs. Please help me to begin this day off in right standing with You, and to consistently grow stronger in my relationship with You all the days of my life. I give You all the glory, in the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Read and memorize 1 John 1:9 and allow it to burn within you the desire to be purified from all unrighteousness. Begin today to work toward that goal, and never stop.
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