Confession is a difficult discipline for us because we all too often view the believing community as
Confession is a difficult discipline for us because we all too often view the believing community as a fellowship of saints before we see it as a fellowship of sinners. We feel that everyone else has advanced so far into holiness that we are isolated & alone in our sin. We cannot bear to reveal our failures & shortcomings to others. We imagine that we are the only ones who have not stepped onto the high road to heaven. Therefore, we hide ourselves from one another & live in veiled lies & hypocrisy…But if we know that the people of God are first a fellowship of sinners, we are freed to hear the unconditional call of God’s love & to confess our needs openly before our brothers & sisters. We know we are not alone in our sin. The fear & pride that cling to us like barnacles cling to others also. We are sinners together. In acts of mutual confession we release the power that heals. Our humanity is no longer denied—but transformed.― Richard J. Foster / Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual GrowthPsalm 32 : 1 . 8Confession & ForgivenessHappy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned.Happy is the one whom the Lord does not accuse of doing wrong& who is free from all deceit.When I did not confess my sins,I was worn out from crying all day long.Day & night you punished me, Lord;my strength was completely drained,as moisture is dried up by the summer heat.Then I confessed my sins to you;I did not conceal my wrongdoings.I decided to confess them to you & you forgave all my sins.So all your loyal people should pray to you in times of need;when a great flood of trouble comes rushing in,it will not reach them.You are my hiding place –you will save me from trouble.I sing aloud of your salvation, because you protect me.The Lord says, “I will teach you the way you should go;I will instruct you & advise you. -- source link
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