We've Done Wrong

Being human means we are imperfect. There is no way to avoid it. As flawed individuals we say and do things that hurt and offend others. Sometimes it’s intentional, while other times it’s not. It’s not if we mess up, but when. The Bible calls it sin. We label it many different ways so that we feel better about what we’ve done. “Oh, I made a mistake.” Mistakes are made in math math problems. Notice here in Step-5 it doesn’t use the word “mistake” or “messed up.” It specifically uses “wrongs” to describe what is being admitted to God, ourselves, and another human being. What Step-5 is addressing is sin, the wrongs that we do.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9). Part of our addiction is not admitting our wrongs, and we have plenty of things we don’t want to talk about or let people know. It’s not only addicts who do this. Every human being has sinned. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). All people have wrongs they need to admit. John tells us that if we claim to be without sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. When we try to hide or deny our wrongs we are liars. We are lying to ourselves, God, and others. We may believe our lies about ourselves. Others might believe the lies. But we cannot hide the truth of our wrongs from God. Admitting our wrongs will open the door of the prison we have placed ourselves in. It may not correct the consequences of the wrong, but it will allow us to be free from having to work at hiding it.

There is another key result from admitting our wrongs. “If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” When we confess our wrongs we find forgiveness through Jesus. The whole purpose of the cross of Jesus is to provide forgiveness for our wrongs. But we must admit our wrongs in order to gain forgiveness. It is our relationship with Jesus that makes the difference. When we admit our wrongs we receive forgiveness, but that’s not all. We are also purified from our unrighteousness. Unrighteousness means a lack of moral uprightness, sin, and injustice. So in admitting our wrongs we are purified from our moral deficit, sin, and injustice. Admitting our wrongs is necessary for healthy relationships and a conscience. Admitting our wrongs is a key element if we wish to remain free from our addiction. So, don’t hesitate to admit to yourself, God, and others the exact nature of your wrongs.