Restoring Fellowship with God: The Power of Confession
Agreeing with God About Our Sin
Confession is not just a casual acknowledgment of our mistakes; it’s a deliberate act of agreeing with God about our sin. The root of the word “confess” means “to say the same as,” implying a harmony between our thoughts and God’s perspective. When we confess, we’re essentially saying, “God, I see my actions/attitudes/thoughts the same way You do – as sinful.”
The Path to Revival Begins with Honesty
Revival among God’s people is deeply connected to our willingness to confess our sins. It’s a necessary step towards restoring fellowship with God. To facilitate this process, take some time to reflect on areas of your life that need cleansing. Ask yourself tough questions, and as conviction sets in, confess immediately to God. Claim His forgiveness and cleansing, knowing that He is faithful and just (1 John 1:9).
Naming Our Sin Before God
When confessing, be specific and honest. Instead of generalizing, try saying, “Lord, I prioritized my own desires over Yours” or “I neglected our time together in prayer.” Avoid making excuses or justifying your actions. Proverbs 28:13 reminds us that concealing sin leads to stagnation, while confessing and renouncing it brings mercy.
A Symbolic Act of Freedom
You may find it helpful to write down the specific sins that come to mind as you reflect. Once you’ve confessed, symbolically tear up the paper and discard it, reminding yourself that God has indeed cleansed you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9b). Psalm 102:12 beautifully illustrates this concept: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
A Prayer for Holiness
Father, You desire us to live holy lives, but we often rationalize our actions and attitudes. I pray that each person reading this will take the time to reflect, allow You to point out areas that displease You, and then confess and invite Your Holy Spirit to fill them. Amen.
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