Before the Offering

The guilt/trespass offering covers offenses both against God (Lev. 5:15-19) and against people (Lev. 6:1-7). The offense may be unintentional (Lev. 5:15, 17), or quite deliberate (Lev. 6:1-7). The particular sin is withholding what rightfully belongs to another, either to God or to one’s neighbor.

Regardless of the motive, such actions make the perpetrator guilty. He cannot produce any excuse to dodge his responsibility. As a matter of fact, before the priest can make atonement for him, the sinner must make full restitution, plus one-fifth extra, to the offended party.

It is an ingrained characteristic of human nature not to accept personal responsibility for any wrong we may do. Perhaps we might be tempted to shift the blame to some scapegoat: our environment, our heredity, or a friend who let us down.

Confession means I accept full responsibility for my sins, regardless of any circumstances involved. No other attitude can be tolerated.

Taken from The Devotional Daily Bible