Confession is God's provision to clear obstacles that hinder our relationships with God and with others. Confession is not just for those who don't mind admitting their faults. Confession is a command, and it is given to every Christian! When we sin, it is important for us to confess not only to God, but also to our fellow brothers and sisters in the faith. There is a tremendous freedom that comes as we openly acknowledge the sinfulness of our actions to others.
"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16.
If confession does not come out of repentance, it is merely an admission, and not a true confession. It is important to confess our sins specifically and not hide behind generalities. It is one thing to pray, "O Lord, forgive my sin." It is another thing to identify specifically our sin in painful honesty. Whenever possible, confession ought to be made directly to those whom our sin has hurt. We are not to confess the sins of others either, only our own offenses. And, confession is not a sign of weakness; it is evidence of our refusal to allow sin to remain in our life!
James also linked confession with prayer. Our prayers will be hindered if we hold on to unconfessed sin. When James promised that the "effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much," he did so in the context of confession. If we want to have a powerful prayer life, we must regularly confess our sin. Only when there are no obstacles separating us from God and others will our prayers be effective! Pride will also discourage us from admitting to others the sinfulness of our hearts. A desire to please God will compel us to confess our sin and rid ourselves of its oppressive burden.
May God Richly Bless You Today!! H Trent!
"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16.
If confession does not come out of repentance, it is merely an admission, and not a true confession. It is important to confess our sins specifically and not hide behind generalities. It is one thing to pray, "O Lord, forgive my sin." It is another thing to identify specifically our sin in painful honesty. Whenever possible, confession ought to be made directly to those whom our sin has hurt. We are not to confess the sins of others either, only our own offenses. And, confession is not a sign of weakness; it is evidence of our refusal to allow sin to remain in our life!
James also linked confession with prayer. Our prayers will be hindered if we hold on to unconfessed sin. When James promised that the "effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much," he did so in the context of confession. If we want to have a powerful prayer life, we must regularly confess our sin. Only when there are no obstacles separating us from God and others will our prayers be effective! Pride will also discourage us from admitting to others the sinfulness of our hearts. A desire to please God will compel us to confess our sin and rid ourselves of its oppressive burden.
May God Richly Bless You Today!! H Trent!
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