May 12, 2025
Confession doesn’t come easily. Admitting our mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and making amends can be challenging. But one of the crucial steps in the 12 Steps involves confession. Life Recovery Step 5 states, “We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” In the Old Testament, when Nathan confronted David about his sin, how did David respond? “David confessed to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD,’” (2 Sam. 12:13, NLT). After he confessed his sins, David renewed his relationship with God. Like David, you will experience 8 unexpected blessings from confessing.
- Shame is lifted.
Guilt and shame can hold us back in our recovery. But when we confess our struggles to God and another person, that weight begins to lift. Confess your sins, and you will be free from the shame you have been carrying. - Your relationship with God is restored.
Sin separates us from God, who is holy. If you have wandered away from God, the first step is to turn from your sins and toward God. Forgiveness is only possible through Christ’s finished work on the cross. - Pride is removed.
What is a barrier that keeps us from God and others? Pride. When we are prideful, we want to get our way. Even though pride comes naturally for all of us, confession takes humility. Therefore, when you confess, one of the blessings is that your pride is destroyed and your humility grows. - Accountability is put into action.
It’s one thing for you to have a sponsor or an accountability partner; however, it’s another thing to meet with them and confess your struggles. Make sure you have an accountability partner or sponsor you meet with regularly to confess any of the bad choices you’ve made, or the areas in which you’ve been tempted. - Unhealthy habits are overcome.
Willpower alone is not enough to change our lives. Why? Addictions, unhealthy relationships, and old patterns are too hard for us to break free from on our own. To help you triumph over these struggles, admit to yourself that you have a problem. Next, be honest with God. Finally, tell someone you trust. Find a Life Recovery Group. - Relationships are renewed.
By confessing, your relationships will improve. This doesn’t mean every relationship will be reconciled. After all, relationships are a two-way street—they take two people to make them work. However, taking responsibility can improve your chances of reconciling with those whom you may be estranged. - Trust is established.
Safety, trust, and honesty are essential for every relationship. However, when you have broken someone’s trust, confession is necessary to reestablish it. After you confess, follow through with any changes that you need to make. Then, others will see that they can trust you again. - Community becomes authentic.
One of the biggest blessings of confession is that a community will thrive. A community, such as a Life Recovery Group, must ask participants tough questions. Join a Life Recovery Group today. A Life Recovery Group will help you find others to hold you accountable; in turn, you will hold others accountable.
Do you need support? Call 800-NEW-LIFE to connect with a counselor or coach.
by Kimberlee Bousman
From Separation to Restoration
