S) "13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion."
Proverbs 28:13 (NASB)
O) Here's the tricky thing about how post-sin mentality goes - we make a mistake with some sin and immediately feel guilt, followed quickly by shame at the idea others will find out about it. This is typically where we start having all these thoughts about the terrible repercussions that would take place if anyone ever found out, from a fight with a spouse to losing a job, the worst case scenarios are brought to mind. So, in our heads we make a determination to "deal with it myself" which is the biggest trap. See, we know that in Christ, we gained the indwelling Holy Spirit and the rebirth that we are able to walk free of sin, but that ability is still not easy. So, we convince ourselves that we can do it, despite the very recent evidence to the contrary - particularly because if we commonly struggle with a particular sin, it's always the biggest struggle when we've already been secluding ourselves from our brothers and sisters. So, we've been disconnected from our supportive siblings in Christ, and so we sinned, and now we're convincing ourselves that we don't need any support because God has delivered us from this sin... this is the hope of satan. The TRUTH that is in the verse above, is that hiding our sins is setting ourselves up for future failure. Confession and repentance brings healing and freedom. Our brothers and sisters in Christ do not have the authority to forgive sins, that is still only through Jesus Christ, but they do, very much, have the power and compassion to strengthen, encourage, and support us to get back on our feet and walk upright again.
A) I cannot abide the lies I'm hearing in my own head about false-shame or false-strength. I must confess and forsake my sins, being honest with brothers in Christ who will build me up, praying with and for me, so that I am strengthened, encouraged, and empowered in the Truth, who is Jesus Christ.
P) Father, I have been so blessed that You have surrounded me with brothers and sisters in Christ who love and support me. Thank You for the church body I have right now, who will support and encourage me in compassion and love. I pray that You help me find that same support after I move to Washington. Holy Spirit, help me keep this verse close at hand any time I might have sinned. Remind me that I will find grace and healing in the support of my church family. Help me take immediate action, because that is the fastest way to get past a stumbling, and back on my feet walking with You again. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) I cannot abide the lies I'm hearing in my own head about false-shame or false-strength. I must confess and forsake my sins, being honest with brothers in Christ who will build me up, praying with and for me, so that I am strengthened, encouraged, and empowered in the Truth, who is Jesus Christ.
P) Father, I have been so blessed that You have surrounded me with brothers and sisters in Christ who love and support me. Thank You for the church body I have right now, who will support and encourage me in compassion and love. I pray that You help me find that same support after I move to Washington. Holy Spirit, help me keep this verse close at hand any time I might have sinned. Remind me that I will find grace and healing in the support of my church family. Help me take immediate action, because that is the fastest way to get past a stumbling, and back on my feet walking with You again. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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