Without the coming of the Son of God into the world, people would be prevented from enjoying the blessings of the Lord, because sin would not be atoned for (Romans 6.23). Today, we know that Jesus went to the Calvary for us and shed His blood for our justification. So if we fall into sin after we have been saved, all we have to do is confess it and we will be forgiven, having our hearts cleansed. God forgives!

The psalmist says that he begged for God's favor with all his heart. Today, anyone who knows what the Bible says on this subject, must immediately confess and ask for forgiveness when they make a mistake. The Word says: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1.9). But if you sin deliberately, you will be taking a terrible risk (Hebrews 10:26-31).

If upon entering into communion with the Lord, a person falls into temptation and realizes that they have sinned and they repent, they simply have to confess their iniquity and accept forgiveness. In fact, those who have been renewed will not even tolerate being tempted, let alone commit any iniquity, since their spirit was recreated in Christ and is now vigilant, so as not to be struck by the devil's darts, which are thrown at those who are faithful to God (Mark 14:38). The Lord deserves our respect and love for what He has done for us.

There is a difference between remorse and repentance. In the former, the person feels that they haven't done the right thing and they regret what they've done, but they don't have the courage to go to the offended party and tell they’ve acted wrongfully. In the second, the person not only regrets, but also suffers for having hurt those who trusted them and seeks sincere contact with the offended party. After all, they don’t want to remain being in the enemy's hands. They are certain that they need to repent and confess their transgression in order to be forgiven. God is faithful!

Not knowing how to proceed, the psalmist cried out to God for mercy. This can be understood as an act of repentance. After all, whoever has sinned has become a defendant at the judgment seat of Christ. However, if they seek out the offender and make amends with him, they will be free to confess and be forgiven. Whoever does not forgive will not be forgiven: And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses (Mark 11.25).

The psalmist knew that God acts according to His Word, so in his prayer he asked for mercy, as the Scriptures state. Know what the Lord says, and you will feel free to cry out and receive the answer. What the man needs has already been written in the Bible, which is immutable: Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away (Mark 13.31). Get right with the Lord and keep His word!

Today, we don't need to ask for God's mercy, because, knowing what to do to obtain His favor, all we have to do is obey Him (Psalm 119.105). Our Father will never stop loving us, but if we don't respond to His love, we will be cut off from His protective action. Doing His will is the best way to live well!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares.