Confession and Forgiveness

[miyako_1984]

Hi,

I am new to the worthy boards but have followed several of the forums keenly. It's great to a be a part of fellowship like this and hear so much insight.

Although I'm a Christian, I'm learning all the time whilst growing closer to God and needed to consult anyone who can help about something.

Confession and forgiveness is central to our faith but I am discovering that I'm not sure entirely what is involved in confessing sins. Recently, although I have said I'm sorry to God, have repented and, faith tells us, been forgiven, some things seem to remain between me and the lord and get in the way of our relationship.

Somehow, it almost doesn't seem enough to confess simply in prayer, however heartfelt the repentence, as God and I both already know about these sins. I'm not a catholic and so it doesn't seem natural to confess to anyone else, publicly or privately, but somehow it sometimes feels like that's what God wants me to do.

I was wondering what the basis for confession is and whether, based on teachings, there is a place for being honest about my sin and failings to another person in order to clear them out of the way however difficult that be in order to fully repent to God.

Not sure this is in the right place but please help if you know any relevant doctrine. I'm learning about christianity- this time from the right side!

Many thanks, god bless.

miyako_1984

[Catsmeow]

Wow, what a great subject! I was just talking to my husband about this today in fact...

Jesus says that in order to be forgiven, we must forgive others...so that is paramount in importance.

Jesus' own words are, "Forgive and you shall be forgiven..." and he also gives a wonderful story/parable about a man who owes the king a large sum of money.

He can't pay the debt and the king has compassion on the man and forgives the man's entire debt.

Later on, the king's soldiers learn that this same man who was forgiven much punished another man who owed him only a small sum of money.

Well, the king threw the offender in prison because he refused to forgive another man's debt....

So, the point of story is that we are obligated to forgive others, just as we are forgiven. So, keep that in mind always.

The bible speaks of confessing our sins one to another (not that it's necessary for forgiveness) but it helps us to remain accountable.

Is it required? Not required but often very helpful to have a godly, Christian partner to share our hearts with.

Forgive and you shall forgiven. That's the most important lesson to learn...and when you sin, simply confess your sin to God, (this can be in private or in prayer with a trusted godly friend) but....confess your sin and believe that you are forgiven.

If there is someone you've wronged, go to them and humble yourself and ask them to forgive you. I have many times. Many times I've had to swallow my pride and just humble myself.

Is it easy? No. Not normally. Still, it's refreshing to clear the air and say, "I messed up and I'm so sorry. Please forgive me for acting badly."

That's simple and honest and transparent. That's what we're required to do...to be as little children. We approach God with childlike trust and faith, asking Him to forgive us and believing we are forgiven.

If you need to make restitution to someone, do so....but make every effort to make peace.

Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers..." and we are blessed when we seek to make peace and soothe hurts. We must be salt and light in a dark and hurting world.