If anyone sins, doing any of the things that by the Lord’s commandments ought not to be done, though he did not know it, then realizes his guilt, he shall bear his iniquity. (Leviticus 5:17 ESV)
Unintentional
I have hurt people intentionally, and I have hurt people unintentionally. While the difference between the two types of hurt might seem important when satisfying my conscience, intentions do not sooth the hurt.
In God’s law, we are responsible for our unintentional sin, just like the things we do purposefully. And perhaps that might cause us concern. I can not cover the sins I do on purpose! How can I expect to cover the sins I do accidentally, or unknowingly, or unwittingly?
The answer is, I can not.
But the gospel is big enough for all of my sin. Using good intentions to soften my sense of guilt not only is not effective, but it is unnecessary.
Because Christ on that cross paid for all sins of all His people.
Becoming aware of our sinfulness leads to sorrow, and then to peace, because whether we are aware or not… Christ’s grace is rich.
Even more, we get to eagerly seek a more full awareness of sin. So that we can rest even more securely in Christ, and Christ alone.
We can not fix our poor intentions. But Jesus can.