UNKNOWN SINS

“How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.” – Psalm 19:12-13 New Living Translation

     Has there ever been a time when you think you may have sinned against God but you weren’t sure? Does the Lord forgive those sins? Sometimes we simply don’t know that we are doing wrong. Since God knows the heart of every man, he knows all about the sins that we commit unknowingly. To answer the forgiveness question, yes, of course God forgives those types of sins. The Psalmist says it like this: “He (the Lord) forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.” (Psalm 103:3 NLT) The Prophet Isaiah declares this on behalf of the Lord: “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again. (Isaiah 43:25 NLT) Therefore, our sins, whether known or unknown to us, shall be forgiven by God.

     If we ask the Lord to help us not sin he will absolutely answer that prayer. We sin because we have a free will and regardless of how spiritually mature we may be can succumb to temptation at any time. We must remain humble, understanding that without God’s grace and mercy we would all be bound for an everlasting hell.

     Guilt can be a good thing as it helps us realize what we ought not to be doing. Having said that, we don’t want it to debilitate us to the point that we are no good to anyone, including the Lord. Guilt has its place in the maturation process as long as it doesn’t overrun forgiveness, which is freely given for the asking. God wishes for us to succeed in this life. Our success isn’t found in riches or notoriety, but rather in that which has eternal value. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible;  www.biblestudytools.com.