It was a huge risk. The young man had made a big mistake and felt the need to confess it before the church in order to continue in his role with worship leadership. The adult Midweek class was the chosen setting for the confession, and the time came to let the young man share what was on his heart. Tense silence filled the room after his candid and heartfelt confession. And then it happened: an elderly man stood up, walked over to the young man, and gruffly told him to stand up. What happened next shocked everyone present: he threw his arms around the young man and tearfully confessed his guilt over the same mistake as a young man himself. A spontaneous response of affirmation and forgiveness by all present followed, and as I went home that night I sensed that this was what was meant in James 5:16 -
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."
The release of forgiveness is truly found in confession. Many Christians harbor guilt over past sin because confession has only been a private matter between themselves and God. The forgiveness available through private confession in prayer is completely effective from God's perspective (1 John 1:9), but perhaps it is insufficient on a personal level. Perhaps James' admonition to confess our sins to one another is important in order for us to experience true release and forgiveness. Words of forgiveness and affirmation as well as physical touch from another member of the family of God are powerful in conveying God's forgiveness.
The carte blanche offer of effectiveness in prayer follows the appeal to confess our sins to one another. We limit our prayer potential if we are unwilling to risk confession to at least one other believer.
Confession is risky business. It requires the trust and confidentiality of the person or persons to whom we confess. But confession and the resulting forgiveness gives authenticity and accountability to the body of Christ. This trust and accountability creates a realism that is vitally important both to spiritual health and the impact of the body of Christ on the world.
"Father, lead each of us to at least one person we can totally trust with our confession, so that our lives can be authentic and forgiveness can be real. Through the risk of confession and the release of forgiveness may we be liberated to be effective people of prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen"
Steve
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."
The release of forgiveness is truly found in confession. Many Christians harbor guilt over past sin because confession has only been a private matter between themselves and God. The forgiveness available through private confession in prayer is completely effective from God's perspective (1 John 1:9), but perhaps it is insufficient on a personal level. Perhaps James' admonition to confess our sins to one another is important in order for us to experience true release and forgiveness. Words of forgiveness and affirmation as well as physical touch from another member of the family of God are powerful in conveying God's forgiveness.
The carte blanche offer of effectiveness in prayer follows the appeal to confess our sins to one another. We limit our prayer potential if we are unwilling to risk confession to at least one other believer.
Confession is risky business. It requires the trust and confidentiality of the person or persons to whom we confess. But confession and the resulting forgiveness gives authenticity and accountability to the body of Christ. This trust and accountability creates a realism that is vitally important both to spiritual health and the impact of the body of Christ on the world.
"Father, lead each of us to at least one person we can totally trust with our confession, so that our lives can be authentic and forgiveness can be real. Through the risk of confession and the release of forgiveness may we be liberated to be effective people of prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen"
Steve
posted by steve @ 10:36 AM
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