You and God May Not Have the Same Definition of a "Mistake"

We have a problem confessing genuine sin even though it's absolutely critical to our spiritual well-being.

We reject God's grace and ruin human relationships when we ignore, excuse, underestimate, or justify our sins.

One common problem is believing we only make “understandable mistakes.”

We must be able to identify and confess real sins - selfishness, anger, lust, bitterness, arrogance, idolatry, etc.

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 warns against participating in the Lord's Supper without first examining ourselves:

“If we would examine ourselves first, we would not come under God's judgment. But we are judged and punished by the Lord, so that we shall not be condemned together with the world.” GNT

We don't simply make “mistakes.” We are sinners who should regularly examine ourselves and admit our sins honestly. 

“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

Humble repentance leads to soul refreshment (Acts 3:19).

Other passages on confession