Confession
OVERVIEW.
The New Testament writers speak of sin as not just an action, but also a condition—of being in sin. We screw up, we offend, we hurt, we betray, we forget, we say things we regret. “To err is human.” To make progress in our formation, we must face our sin. Confession is not at all about beating yourself up in public. It’s about courageously naming your woundedness and wickedness in the presence of loving community as you journey together toward wholeness. It’s about not only the confession of sin but also the confession of what is true—who you are, who Christ is, and who you truly are in Christ. It’s about coming out of hiding into acceptance, leaving behind all shame.
PRACTICE.
Reflect.
Take some time to reflect on 1 John 1:5-10. Use the questions below to help you process in prayer with Jesus.
Confess.
After you have identified something in your life that needs to be brought into the light, quickly take that to your community, or the person(s) who may have been impacted by it. Also, don't forget to confess your sin to God. Even though God is fully aware of our sin, it edifies our own soul to be vulnerable and repentant to our Father in heaven.
FURTHER PRACTICE.
Make confession a daily practice in your life so that when you mess up, as we all do, you will be reconciled to God and your community.
The New Testament writers speak of sin as not just an action, but also a condition—of being in sin. We screw up, we offend, we hurt, we betray, we forget, we say things we regret. “To err is human.” To make progress in our formation, we must face our sin. Confession is not at all about beating yourself up in public. It’s about courageously naming your woundedness and wickedness in the presence of loving community as you journey together toward wholeness. It’s about not only the confession of sin but also the confession of what is true—who you are, who Christ is, and who you truly are in Christ. It’s about coming out of hiding into acceptance, leaving behind all shame.
PRACTICE.
Reflect.
Take some time to reflect on 1 John 1:5-10. Use the questions below to help you process in prayer with Jesus.
- What in your life feels hidden from God and/or your community?
- What negative emotions do you wrestle with in your life?
- What could be the source of those negative emotions?
- What in your heart do you feel that God wants to being into the light?
- Which person or people in your life could you share this with?
- What specific steps can you take to keep this in the light?
Confess.
After you have identified something in your life that needs to be brought into the light, quickly take that to your community, or the person(s) who may have been impacted by it. Also, don't forget to confess your sin to God. Even though God is fully aware of our sin, it edifies our own soul to be vulnerable and repentant to our Father in heaven.
FURTHER PRACTICE.
Make confession a daily practice in your life so that when you mess up, as we all do, you will be reconciled to God and your community.