We often think that confession is a weakness, but it is actually a strength. God knows what you have been struggling with recently, so it’s best to get it out in the open with Him.
When we confess our sins, we invite God to help us get out of these sinful traps. In 1 John 1, the apostle helps put all these elements into focus for us.
What does confession do? It brings what we try to keep in the dark out into the light.
God puts the light on our sinful conditions. Instead of shaming us, He uses it to open our eyes to reality. Thankfully, He doesn’t leave us in that discouraging state.
Walking in the light does not mean you’ve never done anything in the dark; it means that “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Acting as if we don’t have any sin doesn’t help things at all – it just adds more sin to our account (1 John 1:8).
The best thing we can do is to admit it.
Confess our sins.
Be honest with God.
It’s not dangerous to do that. It is the safest thing you can do. Why? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). To act like there is no sin worsens matters. But with Jesus, we can find complete forgiveness. It starts with admitting that you need it in the first place.
Take some time to acknowledge your sins. Don’t be generic. Get specific. What are those areas that you know you are struggling with now? Jesus is ready to forgive. You need simply to ask Him.
As you pray, consider if your confession is for relational restoration or gospel forgiveness.
- If you are already a Christian, you confess your sins to acknowledge your awareness of how it is disobeying God and a plea for Him to help you combat it.
- If you aren’t a Christian, you desperately need forgiveness to start your relationship with God.
Which one are you today?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
