Confession

Christians believe that confession is an important and necessary requirement in their spiritual life. This is because it leads to reconciliation between people and between people and God.

However, the first step is repentance. This is because true confession starts in the heart, with us seeing the gravity our sins. It involves us realizing and being convinced that we have acted wrongly . Before confession comes repentance with us judging ourselves which leads to regretting and rejecting our bad behavior. So it can be seen that without repentance, admitting our wrongdoings would be meaningless and saying sorry would be just words.

The Holy Bible speaks to us about confession and its importance in Christianity.

Firstly, there is confession to God Himself as we read in Psalm 51 – The Prayer of Repentance- verse 4 “Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight”. It is important to note that all wrongdoing is an offence against God because it is a breaking of God’s commandments. Confession to God involves admitting our sins and asking for forgiveness as we read in Psalm 6 : 1-2, “O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak.”

Secondly, it involves confessing and apologizing to the people whom we have wronged. This is to wipe away any anger or sadness they may feel because of our wrongdoing. The Lord Jesus Christ emphasizes how important this is, to the extent that it should be done before going to church or having Holy Communion. He teaches us, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5 : 23-24).

Thirdly, the Holy Bible tells us, “therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed”. Indeed, confession brings about healing, forgiveness, reconciliation and freedom from guilt. In many Christian churches this type of confession is made before a priest who is also able advise and guide the person making the confession because the Bible says, “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the Lord” (Malachi 2: 7).