We sin boldly as if God isn't watching, then pray fearfully as if he's waiting to punish us. But Hebrews 4:16 says approach God's throne with boldness to receive mercy. Boldness belongs in seeking forgiveness, not in breaking his law.
It's like whenever you sin, you think that God is so far away that he can't see you. But whenever you pray, you think that he's so close that you're afraid. It's like you sin with boldness, but you pray with fear. I tell people all the time, when it comes to sin, don't run from the very person that can forgive you of it. The Bible says approach the throne of grace with boldness that you may obtain mercy.
