Day 19 – “Confession is good for the soul.” Supposedly, that is an old Scottish proverb. I have never been to Scotland so I am not sure if they actually say that over there, or not. It does sound convincing though. After all, the Catholics have been doing it for centuries. They must be getting something out of it.
I am sure that confession is good for the soul, because I have done it on more than one occasion, and I know it helps. I have not done it with a priest, seeing as how I am not catholic, but I have come clean with others a few times in a very controlled and meaningful way.
I happen to be a member of an organization that uses the concept of confession as a means to get rid of the crippling guilt and shame that ruins lives and prevents happiness and joy. We first make an inventory of the people we have harmed, along with a list of our resentments and fears, and we discuss these things with another person without reservation. The effect is amazing. It is truly liberating and very powerful.
Some folks will tell you that you are destined for hell unless you confess a certain belief in Jesus Christ. Most likely, these people are students of the scriptures, because God has said much about that in the Bible.
The following scripture makes it clear how to get God’s forgiveness, (1 John 1:9): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Before we confess our sins, we have to acknowledge them, admitting to ourselves the reality of the way we are living, and then we can confess it all to God and someone else. That is how the cleansing comes.
Meditation for today: I will admit and confess my faults to God and to someone I trust.
Prayer for today: God, please give me the courage to confess my wrongs.
Steve Holder 