If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness
1 John 1:9
LEARN
Why is it that we desire to look put together externally, even when everything is internally falling apart? Well, I believe oftentimes we do it because it is the quickest and easiest “solution” to not have our deeper problems get in the way of how people perceive us. We have gotten very good at putting a nice paint job over many layers of filth, old paint, and decaying wood to cover up our imperfections. It is not desirable to rip up and expose all of the dirty layers that are chipping and cracking, because then there is a chance that everything will have to be replaced- and that takes so much more time and effort, but any good carpenter and painter knows that you can’t fix a faulty foundation by simply applying a fresh coat of paint. In the same way, God knows we can’t fix our sin problem by covering it up and hoping we stay intact, and that is why he desires us to confess our sins to Him.
So how can we change our thinking about confession to understand why exposing our foundation is ultimately better than covering it up, even if it isn’t always our desired choice? Let’s look at a few reasons why confessing our sin and exposing our weakness is far better than hiding behind a fresh coat of paint.
Faulty thought #1 - We view confession as a punishment.
Believe: GOD IS A GOOD AND LOVING GOD
When we view confession as God desiring for us to be humiliated or embarrassed in order to learn our lesson, we will be less likely to want to confess. Luckily, the bible would say that thinking is flawed. Our God is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin” (Exodus 34:6-7). God desires us to confess our sins because he is a gracious and loving God who knows that we need an awareness of our sins and accountability from His church to depart from our sin and turn to Him.
Faulty thought #2 - We think God still needs to forgive us, or that he my not forgive us.
Trust: GOD HAS ALREADY FORGIVEN US
God is not waiting for us to confess our sins so he can finally forgive us. We have already been forgiven through Jesus. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). We need ongoing forgiveness not for our ultimate justification but for our ongoing sanctification. God knows that when we confess our sins it allows us to feel at peace with Him, and not distant from Him because our confession shows where our heart is at. We are justified in Christ once and for all, but confessing our sins and receiving forgiveness is ongoing until we are glorified in heaven and no longer sin. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (proverbs 28:13).
Faulty thought #3- We have to be perfect in order to be holy, and we have to do it on our own.
Understand: CONFESSING OUR SINS LEADS TOWARDS HOLINESS
Each time we confess our sins because of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are reawakened to what Christ has done for us. “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” (Psalm 32:5). It is such an undeserved gift that when we confess our sin, God makes known our security in him and the assurance of our salvation as we draw closer to Him and he removes the guilt and shame we so desperately try to hide. It is through our confession that our guilt lessens and our hope and strength magnifies in the Lord and we grow in holiness.
KNOW
What is the main thing that keeps you from wanting to confess your sin to God and others?
Do you believe that God is a loving and gracious God? Do you believe he loves you?
What do you need to confess today that you have not wanted to confess? Is there someone in your life you can share your sin with who can pray for you and help you work through your sin?
DO
Memorize, print off and color this scripture to remind you of the promise God gives you when you confess your sin to him!
