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

Genuine confession is essential for our spiritual well-being.

We distance ourselves from God and damage our relationships when we ignore, excuse, underestimate, or justify our sins. 

We don't simply erase our sins. We honestly confess them and ask Christ's forgiveness, which He graciously gives.

One common problem is believing we only make “understandable mistakes.” See That's Just the Way I Am.

We must understand that when we sin, it's not a mistake. It's a choice. And we must be able to identify and confess it:

“Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”  James 1:14 

Did you know that 1 Corinthians 11:26-32 warns us not to take communion until we have first examined ourselves because “whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.”  

“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.” 

“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 begins when we're saved, and it not only brings us forgiveness, it refreshes our souls (Acts 3:19), so let's make sure we're honestly and regularly examining ourselves.

Other passages on confession

 

For more insights, I encourage you to read these one-minute devotions: Confronting Sin: Understanding "The Spirit of Cain" and Self-Defense.