If I have done something wrong and am in the process of making it right...will God forgive me?
Is it necessary to make a public confession of my wrongdoing if I have apologized to the person and to God? This is something I can make right quietly and I prefer to do so if possible. I have been slightly dishonest with the person I am dealing with about the details of the situation, but as long as I make things right with her (I owe her money and am in the process of paying her back) do I have to explain myself to anyone else or clear up the finer details with her as long as I make it right? This is really bothering me and I need this burden lifted from me. Thanks for your help.
2007-04-19 05:41:50 · 16 answers · asked by higherlovetx 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
God will forgive you once you have confessed your sin to Him (I think the verse is 1John 1:9). You can't earn God's forgiveness, it is 100% grace. Therefore, whether you might have to make a public confession or not does not play any role in God's forgiveness. That being said, God sometimes will want you to publically confess your sin when the sin is public. But when the sin is a private sin, or against another human being, then I don't believe God requires a public announcement of it. The fact that you've already asked the person you sinned against for forgiveness, I think is a good start. However, the burden of the sin is still on you for some reason, and it could be one of two things. 1.) it could be because you really haven't told the person you wronged the whole truth. And even though you're trying to make it right, it still bothers you that you're still trying to hide the ugliness of your sin (perhaps to make it seem not so bad). 2.) you misunderstand what forgiveness is and so you can't forgive yourself. Maybe you're so down on yourself that you don't want to forgive yourself. Well, if the truth is case #1 above, then God might be telling you that He doesn't want you to live with the burden of not telling the whole truth about the money, so He wants you to confess everything to the person you wronged so that you will feel better. This is what I believe is the case for you. But, if case #2 is true, then you just need to remind yourself that once you've confessed your sin to God then He has forgiven you. Period. Hope this helps!
2007-04-19 05:59:56 · answer #1 · answered by Tazer Tag 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"So if you are presenting your gift at the altar and remember there that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and first go and be reconciled to your brother. Then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)
As long as you are making things right between you and the person, it should remain between just the two of you. However, if you have involved others in it, the confession of your wrongdoing should extend to those as well.
If you have been dishonest in the details, then you should make that right as well. A person doesn't have to know everything, and it would be better to be silent, rather than dishonest. Coming clean about any dishonesty is important, if you want to be free from any guilt. But that is really up to you.
2007-04-19 12:48:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Every sin is ultimately committed against God (Psalm 51:4). The Bible consistently emphasizes our need to confess our sins to Him (Psalm 41:4; 130:4; Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9). As for the confession of our sins to people, the Bible gives no blanket command. We are told many times to confess our sins to the Lord, but the only direct command to confess to someone else is in the context of church elders praying on behalf of the sick (James 5:16).
This does not mean that we are never to seek another person’s forgiveness. The Bible gives examples of confession to other people. One is Joseph’s brothers asking for his forgiveness in Genesis 50:17-18. And person-to-person confession is implied in such passages as Luke 17:3-4; Ephesians 4:32; and Colossians 3:13.
2007-04-19 15:49:53 · answer #3 · answered by Freedom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God will forgive you make a public confession isnt a good idea all the pple ull be telling have probably done things they should be telling u also make things right repent basically after that its go and sin no more but be sincere when repenting
2007-04-19 12:47:21 · answer #4 · answered by ladyluck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. If you have apologized to the person involved and asked forgiveness from God you are forgiven. God understands our sinful nature and only looks for a change of heart. Good luck.
2007-04-19 12:47:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes, he will forgive you. You don't have to make a public confession, you just have to repent (ask God for forgiveness) and you have to mean it. I think you should be honest with the person cause then you'll have to repent for lying. Remember God loves you.
2007-04-19 12:48:38 · answer #6 · answered by mamadrama 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All of us have an opportunity to have a relationship with God.
One on one.
With no people in the way, and no church in the way. So you make your peace with God FIRST! He will show you what you must do.
As a sidebar, and this is completely my opinion only; you seem to be doing what you can. And you might do better by not using the word 'slightly'. No one is 'slightly' a sinner.
2007-04-19 12:47:42 · answer #7 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Apologizing was good and took alot of nerve to do, you are a better person for that. You do not even have to explain the situation to a preacher, preist etc... Just ask forgiveness from Jesus. He is there for you.
2007-04-19 12:50:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
GOOD QUESTION-and thank Jesus you have a concience some have reprobated theirs not to feel guilt.
Jesus has already forgiven every sin, but to have peace in heart we have to first pray and let him into our heart & second keep it on the up and up with others. I had to do the same thing, but I didnt tell the person till I brought the money-so I am praying for you to carry through
the prayer to come to get help from Jesus= "Jesus help me come into my heart, I am sorry for my sins-even a little slight dishonesty -even one lie, help me do better and be my friend, amen.
He said he would in Revelation 3:19&20 "I love you and knock on your heart door to come in forgive sins and be your friend, when you ask me in."
have a great day and nothin can beat a clear concience and what goes around comes around-we reap what we sow, thank Jesus he has grace and help for us too
2007-04-19 12:50:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey be honest with your friend and confess this only to her and God and ask God to forgive you and repent(speak that your turning from your sins and know that you were wrong), he loves you more than you know and all you have to do is remember this scripture from the Bible : "Ask and it will be give to you;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.Everyone who asks receives;he who seeks finds;and to him who knocks,the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8,NIV(New international version)
2007-04-19 12:58:22 · answer #10 · answered by gods_tiger_86 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋