In 1 John 1:9 we read this brilliant promise, “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Because of Jesus atoning work we – sinners – can be forgiven. The stipulation is we must confess our sin; we must humbly acknowledge our sin; we must say the same thing about our sin that God says about our sin. Confession of sin is part of the broader instruction to “walk in the light” rather than walking in the darkness. To walk in the light is to confess our sin, but to walk in the darkness is to hide our sin. (1 John 1:6-7)
But what happens if we don’t confess our sin? I’m not asking about the theological ramifications of unconfessed sin, my intention is to address the personal ramifications of unconfessed sin. In Psalm 32 David recounts a time when he didn’t confess his sin. Though the Psalm opens with his jubilation over forgiven sin, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered”, in verses 3-4 he remembers the pain of keeping silent and attempting to hide his sin from others.
For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
David recounts a painful emotional and physical experience – aching bones and failing strength. Allen Ross offers some thoughts on David’s condition.
…all his days were filled with groaning as he weakened in his spirit, and his vitality for living, literally his life juices, dried up like the heat of summer. This comparison with the summer heat (simile) is vivid; it drains the energy and immobilizes the will to live life to the full. David’s zest was not there; he was not motivated. He felt drained all the time. Basically, he was depressed, and it affected his physical energy and health.
Allen Ross, A Commentary on the Psalms
Does David’s description resonate with you? Are you keeping silent about some sin? Is the guilt of that sin consuming you? If this describes you I want you to consider two thoughts.
First, David says, “…day and night your hand was heavy upon me.” The guilt that you are feeling – even in your bones – is God’s gracious work in your life. The Lord disciplines the ones that He loves and He loves you too much to allow sin to destroy your life. Give thanks for the grace of guilt!
Second, what are you waiting for? Make confession right now! In verse 5 we read,
I acknowledged my sin to you and I did not cover my inqiuity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgression to the LORD,’ and he forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Friends, why continue to suffer under the weight of unconfessed sin? Right now make confession and receive forgiveness through our Savior Jesus? When you have taken this first step I want to encourage you to take the next step of reaching out to a godly friend or mentor and confess to them. Not because they have the ability to forgive, but they can encourage, admonish, and pray for you.
*If you want to consider more regarding confession of sin and the dangers of unconfessed sin, you can watch this recent sermon covering these issues – 1 John 1:5-10.