Confession is a spiritual discipline and means of grace. It is a way in which we connect to God in a healing manner, opening up to all sorts of possibilities of transformation and renewal. Without confession, we remain stuck in our sins and hang-ups and prejudices.
Confession means telling ourselves the truth--about us, about our situation. To confess means we agree with God that a deed or thought is wrong. We can get so used to the unhealthy mess we’re in we think that it’s normal, when it is anything but. Confession means waking up to reality, seeing life from God’s perspective, claiming ownership of our choices, and taking off our blinders so we can see clearly what’s wrong and what needs to change.
Confession is the first step of repentance, a turning away from actions that are hurting us and others. Repentance is surrender to the Lordship of Christ, a change of heart and direction. We won’t change direction till we realize we’re on the wrong path.
Confessing our sins before God tells God something He already knows. Yet the act of confession draws us closer to God and helps us experience His grace. In confession we humbly make ourselves vulnerable and dependent. We do more than bring information; we bring our hearts.
A La Carte (November 19)
4 hours ago
4 comments:
Ah, the power of confession-the first step in any 12 step program. God has been trying to enlighten humankind to it's derived benefit since the beginning...yet like Adam and Eve hiding behind the figleaves, I too often do my best to conceal myself from the truth.
Confession, for me, is a suitable way to humble myself before God (which always gets His attention) nevertheless the raging internal battle I must fight between honesty and self-deceit frequently gets the best of me especially when I try to do it alone.
Ah, the power of confession...if it could only be that easy for me!
I also recognize your description of confession being only the first step toward repentence as "being sorry" is just usually not enough.
I always inspired by you, your thoughts and attitude, again, appreciate for this nice post.
- Murk
last few days our class held a similar talk about this topic and you show something we haven't covered yet, thanks.
- Laura
Post a Comment