We have two options when we realize we’ve made a mistake. We could try to conceal what we’ve done, covering our tracks and acting like it never happened. The problem with concealing is the consequences of our actions almost always bubble back up to the surface one way or another. People find out, and somebody is guaranteed to be hurt in the process.
Our other option is to confess – to tell the truth, accept responsibility, and apologize to whoever our actions affected. The words “I’m sorry” have incredible power to mend relationships where trust has been broken. James 5:16 reminds us that when we confess our sins and mistakes to one another, we can be healed from the hurt that’s been caused.
As followers of Jesus, we aren’t just called to confess our mistakes to each other - we’re also responsible for confessing to God. If we want a relationship with God, saying “I’m sorry” is part of the deal. But if God already knows everything we've done and every mistake we’ve made (Psalm 69:5), why do we need to tell him about it?
What does it mean to confess our sins?
First, we need to reevaluate our definition of “confess.” We often think of confession as telling the truth and revealing information. In the context of confessing to God, however, we aren’t giving him a play-by-play of what we did so he can be looped in. Like we’ve established, God already knows what we’ve done.
Confessing our sins to God is actually an agreement that what we did was wrong. When we tell God about our mistakes and sins, we’re acknowledging that what we’ve done is misaligned with the way he desires us to live.
Why should we confess our sins to God?
In short, we confess our sins to God so we can receive his forgiveness. Don’t be mistaken – forgiveness is already available to us through Jesus! Colossians 2:13-14 gives us a powerful reminder that through Jesus, God is able to cancel the record for our sins. Forgiveness is God’s way of separating the act from the person, who we are from what we’ve done.
However, think of it this way: have you ever tried to forgive somebody who didn’t admit they were wrong? In a similar way, God’s forgiveness can’t reach us if we don’t think we need it. That’s why confession matters. It’s how we admit to God that we’re broken, that we’ve made mistakes, and we need his forgiveness.
God hates sin, and he must condemn it, but Jesus already took on the wrath that was meant for us (Romans 6:23). When we do come to God and confess our sins to him, we know that we will be met with compassion and grace (Psalm 51:17) and receive the forgiveness he readily offers us.
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Confession is one of many topics that can easily leave you scratching your head. We hope this has been a helpful overview of why it matters that we confess our sins. Here are some other articles that can help you tackle some of the big questions about faith and following Jesus:
Does Prayer Work?
Is There a Limit to Forgiveness?
Does it Really Matter How We Live?
The Truth About How to Earn God’s Love
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