The Practices of Jesus:
Confession
The Practice of Confession
Teachings
If you want spiritual, emotional and relational breakthrough, get into the rhythm of confession. When we confess our sins and resentments, Jesus releases love and power into us every time. And afterwards we find ourselves free in ways we didn’t realise we were bound.
Of all the practices, confession to another person is the most strange to evangelicals. It’s so foreign to our experience that some people think it’s wrong! But James 5:16 says “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.“ And 1 John 1:9 says “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Confession first to God, and then to another person is both biblical and critical for our growth and for our experience of God’s love.
Before you begin the practice with your family and support group, listen to this sermon to understand more about the importance of service and how it is essential to shaping you to become more like Jesus.
Practice
Here is how to practise Confession in a safe and simple way:
1.) Open your heart and mind to God and invite him to reveal any sin in you.
David says
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24
- Have you been a testimony to the greatness of Jesus Christ through your thoughts, words and actions?
- Have you lacked integrity in your words, or financial dealings?
- Have you been honouring, understanding and generous in your important relationships?
- Have you continued to remain angry toward another?
- Have you harmed or meant harm to another person by your words, either behind their backs, or face to face?
- Have you been exposed to sexually alluring material, or allowed your mind to entertain inappropriate sexual thoughts?
- Have you given in to addictive behaviour or allowed your mind to be controlled by obsessive thoughts?