Confessions

I confess my sins:

I confess that I love my neighbor as myself only when it suits me, when my neighbor is like me, when I feel empathy toward my neighbor, when my neighbor is of my race, when my neighbor doesn't dress hoity-toity, when my neighbor behaves the way I think he or she should, when my neighbor agrees with me, when my neighbor is of my economic status, ... when it suits me. Lord, have mercy on me, a poor miserable sinner.

I confess that I am swayed by jealousy and envy, that I have unkind thoughts about those who have what I want for myself, things I do not have. Lord, have mercy on me, a poor and miserable sinner.

I confess that I am tempted to be depressed and do nothing about it. Lord, have mercy on me, a poor miserable sinner.

I confess that I judge others when they sin in ways I think I don't and that I have compassion on them only when I catch myself in a sin. I am prejudiced against those who sin, Lord, and I find myself thinking I am better than other sinners. I confess that I am in error in these thoughts. Lord, have mercy on me, poor miserable sinner that I am.

I confess that I sulk when I think I am being neglected or overlooked or when I am lonely.  Lord, have mercy on me, poor miserable sinner that I am.

I confess that I use a false sense of pride to separate myself from others. I confess that this is a defense mechanism and serves no useful purpose for me, for you, or for the greater good of anyone. I confess this is lack of humility, and it is useless. I confess this is my fault, my very own fault. Forgive me Lord and teach me a better way. Lord, have mercy on me, poor miserable sinner that I am.

For these things (and those things I add) are my failings. I ask you  Lord, in the name of beloved Jesus, that you forgive and lead me in the paths of your righteousness ...

Psalm 51 (From ESV)

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.
¹¹ Cast me not away from your presence,
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    and sinners will return to you.