TODAY’S PROPHETIC THOUGHT
You are a needed and necessary part of My body – the body of Christ. As such, remember to exercise your love for Me through confession. Confessing your love for Me, and Mine for you, to those around you builds them up. It brings unity to the fellowship of believers.
TRANSPARENCY IN TESTIMONY
There is a lot of confusion over confession. Of course, we see the example of those who confess to an earthly priest, but that’s not a Jesus thing. Jesus Christ has never set up a model that every time we sin, we have to remember that sin and confess it or we will go to hell. If that were the case, you know what? We are all destined for hell.
There’s a place that you come to where you need to move from the wrong side of the cross to the right side of the cross. Amen. That doesn’t mean you don’t confess your sins anymore because certainly, you do.
Matter of fact, one of the things you do is confess your sins “one to another” as the New Testament says.
“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.” – James 5:16
Think about that. Why would God want you and I to confess to one another? Transparency, unity, and intimacy are just a few reasons He calls us to confess to one another. One thing is sure, He’s not talking about a ritual listing of sins.
Actually, what you’re confessing is every single part of your heart – the bad and the awesome. That brings right relationship with God and powerful intimacy with Him. Acknowledging His love for you and reminding Him of your love for Him is a big part of confession.
When you and I confess to one another, we also learn how to live life with people who are also living life with Christ. We don’t have to put a mask on. We don’t have to pretend like we’re somebody else. We don’t have to act like we’re some kind of Marvel-comic superhero because all of us are beautifully flawed people.
So, confess that you love Jesus and you know He loves you. Tell your brothers and sisters. There is transparency in that testimony. It brings us closer together and closer to Christ.
FROM MY SERMON SERIES FIRST THINGS