Confession Brings Healing
This week someone came back into my life to apologize for an offense that happened over thirty years ago. Truth be told, I carried that offense with me through all the years and it probably affected future relationships, so I was shocked to hear from him. However, I was pleased to know that he, too, had become a Christian during the course of the three decades. He had carried the guilt of his action against me for all this time; but it was only through the Lord’s power that he was able to find me and say he was sorry.
God never intends for us to carry a weighed down bag of guilt throughout our lives. That’s why he tells us in Matthew 11:30: My yoke is easy and my burden is light.
The Lord also exhorts us in James 5:16: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Confession is good for the soul and body. It can heal an open wound that has been seeping for years. It can make the burden light.
Is there any burden you have been carrying around for a long time and you cannot shake it from your mind?
First, confess it to God and ask Him what to do about it. You might also seek counsel from a couple of close Christian friends. It’s possible the Lord may want you to face the person you offended.
No matter how long it has been, if the offense was great, I guarantee the offended person has not forgotten it. Making things right with a brother or sister may give closure to the situation.
Does someone come to mind? May God richly bless your journey into wholeness. Lisa Burkhardt Worley