unintentional sins – Moment to Moment (Bible blog)

In all good conscience

Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience to this day.” (Acts 23:1)

I wish I were able to say what Paul said.

Not with an arrogant or self-righteous attitude, of course.

The truth is, we can be acting in all good conscience and still do some pretty horrific things. Paul knew that as well as anyone. (1 Timothy 1:13-14)

But I never want to violate my conscience, willfully doing what I know is wrong.

And when I realize my sin, I want a soft heart like Paul’s that quickly repents. (Acts 23:5)

So my heart’s prayer is this:

Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.

Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins;
do not let them rule me.
Then I will be blameless
and cleansed from blatant rebellion.

May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:12-14)

Unintentional sins?

[Abimelech] said, “…I did this with a clear conscience and clean hands.”

Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience. I have also kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I have not let you touch her.” (4-6)

It’s hard to fault Abimelech for taking Sarah as his wife. Abraham lied to him, after all.

But knowingly or not, he still sinned by taking Abraham’s wife, and it was only by God’s grace that he was kept from greater sin by actually sleeping with her.

It made me think of Paul’s words to the Corinthians.

For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me. (1 Corinthians 4:4)

We’re not always aware of our own sin. That’s why it’s good to sometimes pray David’s prayer in Psalm 19. Honestly, I really ought to do it more. In fact, I think I’ll do it today.

Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.

Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins;
do not let them rule me.

Then I will be blameless
and cleansed from blatant rebellion. (Psalm 19:12-13)