"…and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation." Luke 11:4 (ESV) "We want from God a full and free forgiveness, that has mingled with it no grudges and no coolnesses; a forgiveness that blots out our transgressions, that takes away all our iniquity, and receives us graciously and loves us freely; and that mercy which we want from Him we must be ready to show to others." (Washington Gladden, D. D.) We often want God to "understand" why we sinned. I am sure He does. I need not spend time trying to get God to understand me. Regardless of my justification for my sin, it is wrong. Confession is not rationalization or excuses. Confession is about stating the obvious, identifying with what is right, and adjusting our lives accordingly. We need a way to evaluate our lives honestly. If we hold grudges, and want others to pay for their evil, or are satisfied when disaster strikes the Godless, we lack understanding and are probably miserable. Healthy people forgive, extend mercy, and live by grace. If we enjoy or value God's forgiveness, then we need to forgive. | 
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