1 Corinthians 13:6

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

or

it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

When I taught CCD to the second graders, it was difficult to make them realize the difference between a sin and a mistake.

A sin is doing something wrong on purpose.

 -disobeying their parents

-telling a lie

-pushing or hitting someone

-saying something to hurt someones feelings...

These sins are common for kids and happen often.  If they are not addressed and given consequences they can spiral out of control and turn into much bigger problems.  That was one thing I liked about Reconciliation (Confession)  It is a time to look at what we are doing and how we need to change and be better.  If nobody tell these kids they are doing wrong, how will they know.

 A mistake is something that went wrong by accident.

-broken window

-spilled milk

-forgotten homework

-not paying attention...

These mistakes are common and can happen anytime.  Yes, we could be more careful and plan ahead better, but life happens.  I still spill things, forget stuff, and have trouble paying attention.

Father in Heaven, help us to come to You with our sins knowing that You will forgive us if we are truly sorry.  Help us to be good examples of Your love and forgiveness.  Amen.