In our church service yesterday, we talked about a man whose story is shared in the book, All In. This guy had the courage to confess his addiction to pornography, which made him feel like his life was over, but in reality, it marked a new beginning. Why? As the author points out, “Confession breaks the power of canceled sin. It also heals the broken heart.”

 

Here’s how the progression normally works: I sin; I’m condemned by that sin; I feel guilt that turns into shame; that shame makes me hide my sin. The good news, however, is that I can break free by exposing my sin to the light. When I admit my failures to God, He promises to forgive me and cleanse me: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

 

I need to tell God about my sin, even though He already knows about it. I can’t hide it and expect to be freed from its grip. What I release to God also releases me from the prison of guilt and shame. And therein lies the wisdom in the statement I shared earlier: Confession breaks the power of canceled sin. The other thing confession does is heal the broken heart.

 

James 5:16a tells us, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” As difficult as it is to share my mistakes and struggles with others, confession gives me someone to trust, it keeps me from living in isolation, it fights against my tendency toward unforgiveness, it shuts down my prideful attitude, and it stops me from living in denial. Confession also heals my griefs and sorrows, gives me freedom, and provides me with the support I need. In short, it heals my broken heart.

 

I must confess that I don’t enjoy confessing! I must confess that I find it difficult to trust another human being with my deepest, darkest secrets. I must confess that I hesitate to tell God what He already knows. But I also must confess that it’s worth the risk, and worth the pain, and worth the discomfort. I must confess…

 

Troy Burns