As Ezra has returned to Jerusalem and begun teaching the people God's Word, hidden sins are brought to light. He mourns over sin because sin kills renewal. Sin kills renewal because sin leads to compromised faith, sin has serious consequences, sin dismisses God’s grace, sin disobeys God’s Word, and sin deserves God’s wrath. As such, we need to confess our sins before God in community with urgency, humility, honesty, and hope.