Of Mistakes and Sins

Jessie Wilcox Smith

Romans 3:23 English Standard Version (ESV)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1 John 1:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV)

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

James 4:17 English Standard Version (ESV)

17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Romans 6:23 English Standard Version (ESV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:16 English Standard Version (ESV)

For God So Loved the World

16 “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

This is beautiful illustration of a child saying his prayers at his mother's knee has me wondering if todays parents have failed to teach their children the difference between a mistake and a sin?  A child may sin and sin again thinking all they have to do is say "sorry" to excuse their behavior.  Adults to it too.  We've seen a public figures confessing mistakes, in actuality sins, choices to do evil in the sight of God.  A mistake is an error, like mistaking a tablespoon for a teaspoon and ruining a recipe.  An acknowledgment and apology is desirable and polite but a confession and seeking forgiveness is not.  We don't need to confess mistakes and doing so cheapens the grace and mercy bestowed at the cross. Jesus didn't die for our mistakes.  Jesus died for our sins.  Mistakes are human.  Forgiveness is divine.  

Nothing But The Blood - Kathryn Scott