The little boy was jealous of his playmate's bean bag doll as it took her time and attention away from him. He secretly buried the doll in his backyard and lied about hiding it, causing his playmate tears of loss. His cover up didn't work out well. A few months later the beans sprouted in the perfect shape of the doll and what he had done was exposed to his friend and parents. He suffered the consequences the Bible teaches about: "God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap".

We may try to hide something because we feel guilty, or because we are afraid to be honest, or even because the wound is so deep, we think it would be too painful to expose it to others. Our wounds need more than the temporary band-aid of staying busy, blaming others, or withdrawing in isolation.

The Bible says, "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy" Prov. 28:13.

We have a healer of the soul who loves us and died for our sins and all our cover ups. We can safely trust the Lord and be completely honest with Him. He is available to all who turn to Him. He forgives, cleanses, and delivers.

When we acknowledge our sin, He shows us His mercy. The Lord holds out this promise, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" 1 Jn. 1:9.

Pastor Greg Brownell

Dayton United Brethren Church