* Making Amends

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" and you forgave the guilt of my sin --Psalm 32:5

Most of us have the bad habit of rationalizing our sin and our errors. We all struggle with our consciences, with our goal to make peace within our own hearts. In order to gain peace, you may deny what you've done, find excuses, or try to squirm out from under the responsibility and consequences of your wrongdoing. You may work hard to be "good" in order to compensate for your mistakes. Are you doing everything you can to even the score? Until you confess your faults, you'll get nowhere.

God holds everyone accountable. We're like people who've committed crimes but who refuse to accept the charges brought against them. You may have spent years constructing alibis, coming up with excuses, and trying to plea-bargain. But if you're sincerely seeking spiritual renewal, now is the time to come clean. It's time to admit what you know deep down inside to be true: "I'm guilty as charged."

By speaking this truth, you stop fighting and admit that you're wrong. Without confession, there's no real freedom. And what a relief it is to finally release the burden of your lies and excuses by admitting them to God. This is the very reason Jesus came. Remember he died not because we were good people, but because we'd gone our own way. Come back to him. When you do confess, you'll regain internal peace, and your broken spirit will be renewed.