“The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

God is no pushover!

His call to holy living is-

– very clear,

– very firm,

– very hard to misunderstand.

Let’s not trick ourselves into thinking that-

– His heart of compassion has made Him soft on sin.

But rest in this:

“He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14).

He understands the bad habits we’ve moulded over the years, the comfortable corners we run to when we’re tired or upset or discouraged.

The truth is:

The anger we feel pressing down on us is more ours than His!

-for while we could kick ourselves for caving again,

He’s heartbroken that we’ve sold ourselves out so cheaply-

– that we’ve chosen the path of pain,

– when He has offered us the path of peace!

So as you catch yourself in compromise, confess your blunders!

And promise (with God’s help) that you’ll turn your back on this foolishness.

Confession gets your sin out in front where you can deal with it!

Repentance takes it out to the curb where God can haul it off with the rest of your garbage-

– and leave you feeling clean again!

(PA)