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Confess Your Sins To One Another


"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed."
James 5:16a (NASB)

As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that we need to confess our sins to God, which provides us with assurance of forgiveness since he has promised us that would do that (1 John 1:9). When I confess my sins to God, it often seems like it is too easy for me since I know that God already knows my offenses and he has promised to forgive me when I confess to him. Confessing to God may seem easy, but it is taking confession to a whole new level when I involve a fellow brother or sister in Christ into the mix. 

James encourages us to confess our sins to each other and to pray for each other so that we can be healed. When I confess my sins to my chosen brother in Christ, it makes the sin in my life that much more real. I am forced to share the burdens of my sin with someone else and allow someone else to see the dark parts of my life. When I confess to my brother, I am forced to see how ugly the sin in my life is. 

However, there is a beauty in confession between believers. We know that God is faithful and just and will forgive us for our sins, so when we confess to each other, we then pray for each other that God would forgive, purify, and restore the other's spirit and heart. After confessing and praying for each other, we are filled with so much joy that we have no other choice but to praise God for his goodness, mercy, and forgiveness! 

Confession is a beautiful thing and a discipline that should be a part of the life of each and every believer. I encourage each and every follower of Jesus Christ to find a brother or sister in Christ with whom they know they can be completely open and honest with and with whom there can be mutual confession of sins. Confess your sins today and receive the healing that is promised in God's word!
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