Most people really hate admitting that they’re wrong. We like to think that we are generally good people, and as long as we aren’t going around kicking dogs or killing people, we’re alright. However, it doesn’t take a much deeper look inside of us to realize that we really aren’t all we crack ourselves up to be. In fact, we see a lot of dirt and crud that really hurts us and those around us. We are ashamed, yet put on our “everything is fine” face so the people around us can’t really see what’s going on.

Guilt and shame can easily consume us. They swallow us up so that we can’t even recognize ourselves as the true children of God we are. We wonder how the mighty God could ever love us. It hurts, and we just want to at times escape from everything.

Confession can hurt, too. It is the process of coming clean to ourselves and to God about the ways in which we have sinned. It stings and is raw. It’s taking off the mask and saying, “God, this is me. I’m sorry. Change me and make me new.”

And the beautiful thing is…is that making us new and freeing us from the bondage of our sin is exactly what he does! He absolves us when we bring our sins to him and gives a completely new slate. Not just once…or twice…but every time! Through the waters of our baptism this was promised to us and is something we can cling to for all of our days. Thanks be to God!

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 3:16-18)

Lord, we have done many things that disappoint us, others, and you. We are sorry for what we have done. Thank you for always forgiving us and giving us a clean slate each time we mess up. Thank you for the gift of your son and calling us your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.