YMI -- ODB: 19 September 2025
Sep. 19th, 2025 03:24 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
ODB: The Change Christ Brings
September 19, 2025
READ: Proverbs 28:13-14
Whoever . . . confesses and renounces [their sins] finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13
When a patch of irritated skin formed near my left eye, I used makeup to cover it. Temporarily this kept my problem a secret. After a while, though, the swollen red spot didn’t clear up, and I knew it needed medical attention. On the morning of the doctor’s appointment, I was tempted to apply makeup as usual, but I didn’t. I wanted the doctor to see the problem clearly and treat it so it could heal.
Have you ever tried to hide a sin problem? Maybe you’re aware that some action or thought is controlling you, but you’ve avoided praying about it or mentioning it to friends and family. Maybe you think it’s no big deal because many other people are dealing with similar issues. But it’s impossible to thrive spiritually when sin is secretly fouling up our lives. As Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper.” Thankfully the verse continues, “but the one who confesses and renounces [sin] finds mercy” (v. 13).
It can be hard to adopt God’s view of our actions and admit that certain practices are wrong. However, His kindness eases the process of humbling ourselves. When we welcome the power of Christ’s Spirit into our struggle, we can reject the wrong that tempts us (Galatians 5:16-17, 22-24). As God guides us, change is possible, and our spiritual health is worth the effort!
— Jennifer Benson Schuldt
As you consider confessing sin, why is God’s everlasting love encouraging? How might the enemy deceive you in your struggle with sin?
Dear God, please help me yield the areas of sin in my life to You.
Source: Our Daily Bread