https://odb.org/2025/04/24/hidden-toxins
Proverbs 28:9–13 (ESV): 9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance. 11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Two major things we learn as believers as we grow in the faith are the need to confess our sins before God and the need to forgive others who have sinned against us. Crucial practices – as if we fail, our connection with God is somewhat impeded. If we analyse the Lord’s prayer as taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13, you will see this principle at play – forgive us O Lord our trangressions as we forgive those who trangressed against us.
Thus, even though we have been cleansed by the blood of Christ on Calvary, we still need to confess and seek forgiveness if there are areas where we still sinned. Or we got impatient and lost our temper against that motorist who cut into our lane. While on earth, we are still living in our broken and imperfect earthen vessels. Our flesh is still alive even as we crucify it daily. Our new inner man may not be as strong just yet.
Solomon, in his wisdom, also advised in Proverbs 28:13 that the one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes (repents of) them will obtain mercy. The sense is that God can only forgive us if we confess our sins before Him. But forgive He will. His steadfast love endures forever. His mercy never ceases as it is renewed every morning like dew.
Spend some time this morning. Bow before Him and confess our sins before Him. Pray for His strength that we will repent and turn away from our sins. Let us have the victory over our own selfish and conniving heart. Father, let our hearts be sanctified and purified by the blood of the Lamb. In the most precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 