Practicing Confession

I believe part of the answer is that we are often deceived into concealing our sin. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Fear, and ultimately pride, leads us to hang onto our self-perceived image. We want to be seen as having it all together, as respectable, dignified people. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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To confess that we are jealous, gluttonous, lustful, or angry is embarrassing and shameful. And if we’re honest, we believe that if we reveal those things, it might affect what others think of us.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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That’s raw. But isn’t it true?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, we confess our sin privately to God, but we forgo the act of obedience that is confessing it to other people (Please read James 5:16 and 1 John 1:9).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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God tells us to confess our sin to others, because by bringing our sin into the light, it allows for healing that keeping it concealed simply cannot accomplish. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When we speak what’s in our heart, we disclose who we really are to other people. Dependent sinners in need of a perfect God, grace, and forgiveness. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When we willingly confess our sin, we acknowledge this. We are confessing that we need Christ, and that there is nothing good in us. This is beautiful and it pleases the Lord. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And, it’s in this posture of humility that the Lord delights to come and do a beautiful redemptive work!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It isn’t easy. It takes courage. It might even require an all-out wrestle in the Spirit. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But Christ-following women are courageous women, because our confidence is in Him, who began a good work in us, and will finish it (Php. 1:6).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This is an excerpt from one of my past newsletters. So much more needs to be said about this vital discipline. You can read the full-length letter titled, “Confession” when you sign up for my newsletter and access the archives.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀