Back to the Basics – Confession (with scripture)
Monday, October 7, 2024, Read 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, GOD is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Confession is the doorway to forgiveness and freedom; forgiveness of sin and freedom from everything that separates us from God. Confession opens the door for God to work in and through our lives. When we are willing to accept responsibility for our sins and shortcomings and openly admit them to God, He is then able to complete His work in us. What sin do you need to confess today?
Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Read Proverbs 28:13 - He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsake them will have mercy.
Covering over sin is futile. God knows everything. He is aware of our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Hiding our sin only prolongs the problem. The only path to forgiveness and freedom is through confession, coming clean before God, others, and ourselves. And when doing this, determining not to repeat the offense, God extends mercy. Indeed, his grace is greater than our sins.
Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Read Psalm 32:3-5 - 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
The importance of verbally acknowledging our sins cannot be understated. Just ask David. When he kept silent, his bones wasted away, God’s hand was heavy upon him, and his strength was sapped. It was only when he opened his mouth and acknowledged his sins – verbally confessing his transgressions to the Lord – that God was able to forgive and free him from guilt and shame. The next time you bring your confession to God, be sure to use your words – because words are more powerful than thoughts.
Thursday, October 10, 2024, Read Psalm 32:1-2 - 1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
David cannot contain the peace and joy he felt once he came clean before God. The forgiveness he experienced inspired this Psalm of blessing. A weight had been lifted from his shoulders and now he was free to express his love for God and his joy of being in right relationship with Him. Are you experiencing the blessing of forgiveness today? If not, why not give confession a try.
Friday, October 11, 2024, Read James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
To assist in the confession process, God encourages believers to “confess” their “sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” What is it about confession to one another that brings healing to our souls? First, confessing to one another reveals that we are not the only ones dealing with sin and shortcomings. There are others out there just like us. Secondly, confession to others affirms that we are not alone, but that we have the support and encouragement of others. And thirdly, confessing to others holds us accountable and helps us be victorious over temptation and sin. So let us “confess” our “sins to each other.”