Finding Courage to Confess
There is something incredibly freeing about confessing my sin and bringing things into the light. I am often tempted to think it will be awful, cringy, and shameful, but that’s not true. If I don’t think of it to that extreme, sometimes I think of it on the other end of the spectrum: that it’s not that big of a deal, too minor to even mention, not worth bringing up, best to leave it alone and keep it covered, etc.
But these are the schemes of the enemy to thwart God’s will for our lives: that we should walk in the light as He is in the light, humbly confessing sin, and praying for one another that we might be healed (1 John 1:5-7; James 5:16). As we get honest with each other, and extend forgiveness through love, we experience the deep community He has for us.
The alternative is that we miss out on the initial grace of confession and forgiveness, and the underlying pride hinders the connection and authenticity we so deeply crave in our human relationships. This leads to a shallow cycle of skin-deep connections, isolated in pride and/or shame, which I would argue go hand in hand. True humility is neither self-exaltation nor self-deprecation, but humble dependence upon Christ our Savior.
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13 ESV
Genuine confession is not to be done out of stubborn obligation or an “oops, I got caught” attitude to manage reputation, but a true contrite spirit before God and man that takes full accountability for our actions and their consequences.
That can feel like a terrifying step - to fully acknowledge our sin without caveats, but it’s a step toward walking free from shame. Because there is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1) we can be as honest as possible. Because of Christ, I don’t have to cling tightly to my reputation or “rightness.” God knows the depths of sin in my heart better than any human - myself included (Jeremiah 17:9).
When we humble ourselves to a point of raw honesty, taking radical accountability for our sinful actions we come into agreement with God about our daily dependence on Jesus. We don’t just need to confess sin at the moment of salvation, but every day afterward. Becoming more like Jesus is a gradual journey that requires daily dying to self and following Him (Mark 8:34-35).
Confessing sin always deepens my relationships, making me feel light & free & secure in Christ rather than in my works or reputation. It takes courage to open up, but God blesses it every time. And you know what? It comes more naturally with frequent practice.
I will add, it’s important to discern with Holy Spirit’s help who to confess to and how and when to bring it up. For example, I don’t share the most vulnerable parts of my story online. Partly out of respect for others and their ownership of the intersecting parts of our stories, and partly because God intends for us to live out these principles primarily through the local church. I much prefer sitting face to face with a friend, tears filling my eyes, while she lovingly talks me through it. Maybe one day I will open up in more detail online, but for now I’m prayerfully navigating that.
“This all my righteousness: nothing but the blood of Jesus. Not of good that I have done; nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
