The Power of Confession

“You’re only as sick as your secrets,” said a man in our men’s group. His words echoed the scripture:

“When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.” Psalms‬ ‭32‬:‭3‬ ‭

Yes, sin will make you sick, for it causes us to “fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

We live in a world that covers up frailties and blame shifts when caught doing something wrong. Seldom do people publicly apologize for their mistakes. Pride and fear prevent us from coming clean. Like Adam and Eve, our shame is too great, so we try to hide.

One reason Alcoholics Anonymous is so successful is because people are encouraged to confess their wrongs to each other every meeting. They know if they don’t open up and be honest, they will stay stuck in their addiction.

I thankfully have a group of guys in my life I meet with regularly. Our gatherings look at times like an AA meeting. We aren’t ashamed to confess our sins to each other. We go a big step further than AA when we pray for one another and reach out during the week to stay accountable. We carry no shame because we know Christ loves us and has forgiven us of every sin.

With sin forgiven, glory is restored as Christ lives in us, empowering us to live holy lives in perfect unity with each other.

“Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16

When we confess our sins to another, we take the risk of being judged and thought less of. However I’ve seen just the opposite happen. When a brother trusts me enough to confess his sin, my love and respect for him increases. When we humble ourselves, God exalts us, not only in His eyes, but in the eyes of those around us who love Him.

It’s natural to want to hide our sin. Confession doesn’t always come easy, but it’s so liberating.

We truly are only as sick as our secrets.

Father, give us all a trusted friend we can confess our sins to. And may we be a trusted friend to someone who needs a friend to confess their sins to.

“When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9