God's Glory Church

“Confess your sins to one another.” — James 5:16
I recently learned about a man with an unusual profession. He is hired by people who are preparing for death to come to the funeral and reveal their secrets. This person breaks the established order and interrupts eulogies. When the stunned priests object, he asks them to sit down. He once stood up to explain how a man who was already lying in a coffin won the lottery, but never told anyone about it and pretended to be a successful businessman for decades. On more than one occasion, a hired worker on behalf of the deceased confessed to the widowed wife of her husband’s infidelity. One can question the intentions of these actions, but it is clear that people seek to be freed from past sins.

Asking someone else to confess for us (especially after our death) is a useless way to deal with secrets. However, these stories reveal a deep truth: we need to unburden ourselves. Apostle James says: “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Confession frees us from the burdens that bind us and allows us to communicate sincerely with God. Confession brings about healing.

Jacob calls us to live an open life, confessing to God and our loved ones our pains and failures that we seek to bury. We must not carry this burden alone. Confession is a gift for us. God uses it to purify our hearts and give us freedom.

What do you need to confess and to whom? What’s holding you back?
Dear God, please help me to practice confession.
Author: Wynn Collier