Over the years, my wife Pam and I have been members of churches of various denominations and non-denominations. We are currently members of a Lutheran congregation. If you have any experience with Lutheran churches, you know that they have specific liturgies and the elements change with the seasons of the church calendar. One thing that never changes though, is a time set aside—a period of silence—for everyone to confess their sins to God. I often find that I'm still busy confessing my sins when it's time to move on. I want to say, "Hey, wait a minute! I'm not finished confessing my sins!" Maybe some of you feel that way, too. Confession is so very important to a free and fresh relationship with God. Today, let's listen to two passages, one from the Old Testament and one from the New, which reinforce this truth.

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)

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

In today's first passage, we learn that if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. Not only that, He will purify us. In our second passage, we read that when we hide our sins we won't prosper. I don't think that means that we won't get rich - there are plenty of rich people covering up their sins! I think it means that our relationship with God and others won't prosper. Concealing our sins doesn't hide them from God; He already knows all about them. Trying to hide our sins, whether from God or the people around us, just gives those sins power over us. But when we reveal them, they lose much of their power. The writer then tells us that when we confess and renounce our sins we find mercy. Do you want forgiveness? Do you want mercy?

Let me encourage you today to go to God and confess your sins to Him. He is faithful and just and will forgive you...and that's such very Good News!