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James 5:16 - What does confess your sins to one another mean?

ChubbyCherub

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Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Personally, I'm a very open book and have no fear of judgment because I know that we are all sinners and I do not judge others for their sin but try to instruct them in the ways of Christ.

That being said, I am reading that many are embarrassed or ashamed so this once popular action is not very popular, anymore?

I'm not sure it was ever popular in Protestant churches but I haven't lived since the beginning of when they were formed so am not an authority on this point.

Furthermore, is this why Catholics confess to priests?

Thanks, as always, for helping me! I know I always have lots of questions but you all are very good to me with your assistance.

God bless.
 

Delvianna

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I think it's meant to be on a personal basis just to help with one another. Like, if I were to tell you I was struggling with alchohol. The point is to give me guidance that might help me overcome this sin and not like it's going to absolve me of the sin itself. I think some people believe that it does (catholics for instance), but the context tells me it's just supposed to be a helpful thing and nothing more. Specially because of the last verse:
remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

That being said, I am reading that many are embarrassed or ashamed so this once popular action is not very popular, anymore?
I think it is, it's just mostly used within intimate circles. Friends or people that you know, instead of like just a random stranger. Might be why it isn't so apparent. Just a guess though.


And yes, this verse among a few others is what Catholics use as to why they confess to a priest.
 
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