How do I correct a lie that I’ve told for years?
Question:
I lied for several years about something, and the substance of the lie is probably known by many people in college. It was just something to help my image; however, I recognize sin is sin. It is likely not criminal or anything of a serious kind.
Do I need to confess to everyone, some of my close friends, or what? I want to do what is right. I have stopped perpetuating it. I want to be right with the Lord. I am now considered very concerned with being honest, to the point that I sometimes rephrase things several times to make sure I am honest and say things like "I think" and "sometimes."
Thanks for the help!
Answer:
"For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter" (II Corinthians 7:10-11).
What you want to make sure of is that you are not benefiting from your lie and that others are not being harmed by relying on your lie. This is what Zacchaeus did. When Zacchaeus repented of his sins, he offered to give back or give away any unjust profits that he might have made. "Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold" " (Luke 19:8). In this way, he did not profit from his sins and he tried to make sure none were harmed by his sins either.
