Have you ever messed up big time? It’s easy, the answer is yes. We all have. Making mistakes is just a part of life that will eventually find you. However, the choice comes in what you do next. Our gut reaction is to hide the problem and deny it for as long as possible. We think, “if no one knows what happens, I won’t have to face the consequence of my actions.”
When that stuff is out there, we can live in the fear that it’s only a matter of time before we get found out. We spend time worrying about getting caught. We feel the weight of lying to our friends and loved ones. God has not called you to bear the burden of guilt. God has called you to set yourself free through the act of confession.
In 1 John 1:7-9 we are reminded, “7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Confession requires us to live in community with God and other believers. We need people who will walk through the hard times with us in love. While we may need to face some real-world consequences for our actions, we can’t start the healing process until we have been open about our actions.
It is good judgment to be honest with those closest to us, even when we make mistakes. The other side of giving confession is receiving it. There will be times when people come to you to seek forgiveness, they will confess some wrong they’ve done. When we hear this confession, we should hope to lead them towards healing and (if safe and possible) reconciliation.