Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Introductory Thoughts

Many people claim to confess their sins; yet, confession not followed by action remains fruitless. Several verses in the word of God indicate the truth of the matter. Consider the next four examples: (1) Confession of sin is connected to forsaking sin (Proverbs 28:13); (2) Confession of sin is followed by recompense of the trespass (Numbers 5:7); (3) Solomon connected confessing sin with turning from it (1 Kings 8:35); (4) Confession is followed by doing the Lord’s pleasure (Ezra 10:11). True confession involves much more than simply receiving the Lord’s forgiveness; it involves making wrongs right. True confession is never accomplished by merely opening one’s mouth and spouting forth some meaningless words. True confession always produces change in the confessor.

Devotional thoughts

  •  (For children): Jesus forgave a woman that had done wrong but also told her to go and “sin no more” (John 8:11). When the children of Israel wanted God to deliver them from the Philistines, Samuel told them they must put away their strange gods, which they willingly did (1 Samuel 7:3-6). We too must be willing to give up sin in order to have the right relationship with the Lord.
  •  (For everyone): Do you find yourself often apologizing to the Lord for sinning against Him, yet failing to demonstrate any outward signs of the necessary true repentance?
  •  If true confession is most often followed by action, when is the last time you truly confessed your sins to the Lord? Are you willing to confess them now?

Prayer Thoughts

  •  Ask God to show you the unconfessed sins in your life.
  •  Ask the Lord to help you confess and forsake those sins.

 

SONG: TBD