Proverbs VII
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (Proverbs 28:13 ESV)
Strange Mercy
Our society encourages us to hide our faults, our mistakes, and particularly our sins.
If we fail, we blame others, rather than pay any price ourselves. If we err, we deny, rather than face shame. If we are not up to any task, we find shortcuts, rather than admit we need help.
If we sin, we do not want anyone to know, lest the vultures descend.
But God’s way is not like that. And God’s way is better!
God’s way teaches us to admit our failures, and seek HIS and HIS people’s help. God’s way teaches us to display our shortcomings, and therefore encourage others. God’s way teaches us to make our sins public (sometimes VERY public) so that His grace can be even MORE public!
Mercy is a rare and strange thing… but in God’s economy is the basic currency.
We might not be very merciful, yet, towards each other. But God is always merciful to His people.