Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. – James 5:16
Sin likes to hide in the darkness. In darkness and silence it gathers energy and continues its work. Confession, however, brings sin into the open where its power is broken. James, the half-brother of Jesus and a leader in the early church, knew this. In the book of James he encourages us to confess our sins to one another not just confess silently to God.
But what are you to confess? First, you’re called to confess your offenses against others. Unconfessed sin erects barriers in relationships. Confession and forgiveness, however, break down these walls and allows God’s love and power to flow freely among us.
There are also times when you need to confess struggles that you’re having trouble overcoming. You’re forgiven solely by the grace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. But others can provide the support, accountability, assurance, and perspective that can help you move forward. Opening your heart to a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor can be a step toward experiencing the freedom of forgiveness.
Are you feeling the pain resulting from bad choices or decisions? Do you need to tell someone that you see how your actions have brought hurt and that you’re sorry? When you heed the words of James, you’ll experience the relief your soul desires.
– Steve Arterburn
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. – Mark Twain
