We usually lie to ourselves more than we do to others. However, repentance in and of itself is being open and honest with God. It’s recognizing sin, and turning from it.
The prodigal son took his inheritance, left home and blew all his money. He waisted his money fulfilling his every desire. But after a while, the money ran out and he was forced to get a job working with pigs. He was so hungry the pig slop looked appetizing.
Jesus tells us this parable in Luke 15:17-24,
“But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! ‘I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.” ’” So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. “And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.”
Notice that the son said to himself, “I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight.” Do we really want to know ourselves? Be honest. Not a single human on earth is without sin. When the son was honest, the Father was forgiving.
If you’re a Christian and there’s sin in your life, the worst thing you can do is ignore it.
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God is READY and FAITHFUL to forgive…but we MUST confess! God doesn’t want you to bury them deep down; confess and get it over with! He’s waiting. He already knows what you’ve done, but we act like we can hide it from Him.
You owe it to yourself to be honest, not just to others but in the conversations you have in your head. Be honest in the decisions you make, the sins in your life and you’ll be closer to knowing who you REALLY are.
We are sinful, we are human, but God gives grace to those who come to Him. Let’s be honest, and a truthful examination will show us that we need God in our lives.
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