SPOKEN CONFESSION

Photo by CRISTIANO DE ASSUNCAO on Unsplash

Why Engage It?

For some of us, a sense of Sin’s work in our daily lives doesn’t come to mind all that often. For others of us, Sin’s day-to-day presence is all too apparent. Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, the call to repentance is for all of us. Throughout Christian history, confession has been the primary step toward repentance. In fact, many of us may already confess to God regularly.

 But there is something special about confessing our sins to a trusted friend, spiritual mentor, or a pastor/priest. When we confess to another person, we are still confessing to God, but also inviting another person (filled with His Spirit) to hear our sin. In this way, our brokenness opens a way for light to enter what was previously dark. And just as we vocalize our sin to another, we then also get to hear of God’s forgiveness in an audible voice. 

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
James 5:16

How to Practice It

Building this rhythm with a trusted person can take time, but hang in there – this is a practice that can bear fruit for many years. You can make it as simple as a text or as formal as a certain place you meet to confess. The important thing is that you are able to become vulnerable enough for someone to hear of your sin, and that your confessor reminds you of God’s forgiveness and His healing in your life.

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