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Forgive Our Sins Jul 28 2010
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9
A man wandered into a rural tent revival and was greatly inspired by the energetic service. One after another, people stood and poured out their hearts. After each person publicly confessed, the congregation cheered and clapped and wept tears of joy to show support for the repentant sinners. It wasn't long before the man joined in, leaping to his feet and loudly confessing one of his more recent sins. The tent became suddenly silent as jaws dropped and eyes widened as big as saucers. The preacher leaned over and said, "Brother, I don't think I would have told that one."
Was the preacher right or wrong? That depends. Jesus clearly teaches that all sin needs to be confessed to God. Yet all sin doesn't need to be confessed to men - just to those we have sinned against to ask their forgiveness.
The man at the tent revival was right not to sugarcoat any of his sin when it came to God, for God already knew what he'd done. And God wants you to fully confess so He'll know that you know what you did! Don't try to explain it away, or make excuses, or have a victim-mindset. You might be able to fool a friend, but you can't fool God. Simply tell God about your sins and ask His forgiveness, and He will lift that burden from you. And when you wrong someone else, ask their forgiveness and seek to make things right. It may cost you, but it's worth every penny.
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4 Comments
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Yes, report it NevermindI know that we shouldn't sugarcoat our sins, but there have been times when I've heard people "confess" their sins in public and they almost sound like they are boasting about them rather than being contrite. I'm sure God expects us to come to Him with a humble spirit whether we confess our sins privately or before others.
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Yes, report it NevermindWhile there is nothing wrong with confessing our sins publicly, we need to use some common sense and discretion when we do. If this sin involves other people, we need to be careful that what we confess doesn't expose them because we don't have the right to expose their sins publicly. That is something they have to decide and is between them and God.
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Yes, report it NevermindI know the part about the man's confession is taken from a joke but as a Pastor I have had this type of thing to happen in a service before. While sometimes it hard not to laugh, or explode because the tenderness of the service has been offended, I had to concider that maybe the person actually did not realize they had exposed their sins in a wrong way and even did it before some people who loved to gossip and would tell it all. Either way confessing a sin and asking forgiveness will lift a heavy burden from our souls and spirit. Have a blessed day everyone.
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Yes, report it NevermindPubic professions of faith can be inspirational and productive. Professions of sin and repentance are probably most appropriate with your minister, family and close Christian friends/support group. Forgiveness must be sought first from God, since all sin is against him, and then from those who were hurt by the sin. God is quick to forgive, but he doesn't necessarilly remove the consequences. Forgiveness from others may take years, or a lifetime.