Lenten Wednesday Reflections: Confession

From Richard Foster:

"We try to convince ourselves that God forgives sin; he does not heal the memory.  But deep within our being we know there must be something more…God has given us our brothers and sisters to stand in Christ's stead and make God's presence and forgiveness real to us"

The church, the family of God is a gift to each of us in helping to find forgiveness and release from our sin.  The act of confessing our sins with one another as James 5:16 wrote is actually part of God's plan for finding peace in our repentance.

Our forgivenesss comes from God.  The finished work of forgiveness and redemption was accomplished by Jesus at the cross.  The healing and peace come through genuine fellowship in God's church.  Again quoting Foster, "The assurance of forgiveness is sealed in the Spirit when it is spoken by our brother or sister in the name of Christ."

Freedom is found in living an open and honest life before others.  This does not mean that everyone needs to know everything that you have ever done.  That would be foolish.  Descrition and good judgement are necessary in selecting someone trustworthy to confess your sins with who cares for you and your relationship with God.  The freedom found in confession, however, is empowering and contageous.

Confess specific sins, not just blanket statements.

Again Foster writes, "A generalized confession may save us from humiliation and shame, but it will not ignite inner healing." Whether with a trusted prayer partner, mentor, counselor, or pastor, specific confession will open a powerful path to healing and freedom. The end of confession brings joy and celebration.

Good advice about choosing whom to confess from Foster in Celebration of Discipline:

"The key qualifications are spiritual maturity, wisdom, compassion, good common sense, the ability to keep a confidence, and a wholesome sense of humor."

Of course it should go without saying but, I will say it anyway. Prayer is crucial to any gathering of confession.  God in the conversation brings healing.  Without prayer and trusting in God for forgiveness there is simply a counseling session going on (not saying there is anything wrong with counseling).  Take each sin to the cross, receive forgiveness and release.  Give thanks.

--
Myles Brown