Confessing Sins

[Gentle Lamb]

...

 

[RileyG]

If you are Episcopalian/Anglican or Lutheran you can privately meet with your pastor, confess your sins, and he will pronounce absolution. From a Protestant perspective, private sins to God is sufficient. I do not have any more advice to you, other than do not worry about being judged. Only God can do that.

 

[seeking.IAM]

I come from a Protestant perspective, not Catholic, therefore the confession process is different. It's more like testifying.

In fairness, it may be better said that your protestant perspective is different. Many mainline Protestant churches do not practice confession in front of the entire congregation. Many support private confession and plea for forgiveness directly to God. Some Protestant churches might even have a minister or priest pronounce God's forgiveness of your sins.

I think there are elements of worship in some churches with which many would feel uncomfortable. In my opinion, public confession of sins before a congregation and public detailed prayers for congregants often become the church gossip hour. Some of us handle our discomfort by choosing to worship in settings where we are more comfortable. It seems like there are really only three choices: find a way to become adjusted to your church's practice, live with your discomfort, or find a place to worship in a manner more tolerable to you.

 

[sandman]

The Bible says, in James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

However, I have found that even as I have confessed my sins to others in the church, I have been judged instead of looked upon as a repentant sister acknowledging my sin. I want to follow Biblical principles, but I also do not want to put myself in a place of unnecessary vulnerability by Christians who pretend that my past sins are my present sins, that I'm still in those sins, and that they have none. How do I hold to Biblical principle with this while also protecting myself? What experience have others got with this? I come from a Protestant perspective, not Catholic, therefore the confession process is different. It's more like testifying.

This is not sin(s) as in transgressing against God …this is shortcomings…. meaning, a falling just aside from one's intended or purposed way…..and in particular it is in the context of healing and prayer.

Your sins are between you and God …but if you have an areas that you need help in …you go to a trusted “believer” who will encourage you and pray with you…

 

[d taylor]

The Bible says, in James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

However, I have found that even as I have confessed my sins to others in the church, I have been judged instead of looked upon as a repentant sister acknowledging my sin. I want to follow Biblical principles, but I also do not want to put myself in a place of unnecessary vulnerability by Christians who pretend that my past sins are my present sins, that I'm still in those sins, and that they have none. How do I hold to Biblical principle with this while also protecting myself? What experience have others got with this? I come from a Protestant perspective, not Catholic, therefore the confession process is different. It's more like testifying.

This verse is in direct context of the verses above and is not addressing a believer confessing general sins (all known sins). Which is to be done to God. There is no call for believer to confess sins to other believers only to God. The healing in 16 is healing from actual sickness and not healing from sin.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

 

[eleos1954]

The Bible says, in James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

However, I have found that even as I have confessed my sins to others in the church, I have been judged instead of looked upon as a repentant sister acknowledging my sin. I want to follow Biblical principles, but I also do not want to put myself in a place of unnecessary vulnerability by Christians who pretend that my past sins are my present sins, that I'm still in those sins, and that they have none. How do I hold to Biblical principle with this while also protecting myself? What experience have others got with this? I come from a Protestant perspective, not Catholic, therefore the confession process is different. It's more like testifying.

If you commit an offense (sin) towards a brother or sister then we are to reconcile with them.

We confess and acknowledge our wrongs when we have offended a brother or sister. Not confess our personal sins to them .... those we confess to Jesus in total privacy.

 

[timothyu]

How do I hold to Biblical principle with this while also protecting myself?

You could first remind them that they all harbour the same sin of self indulgence and if they want you to air your dirty laundry they must do so also.
But realistically the idea behind confession is for the community to come to the agreement that being all in this together as sinners, the ways and will of man lead to nothing but trouble, for ourselves and for others, and that the only solution is to put the will of God first which directs us to care for others without gain for self.

 

[studentinprayer]

How do I hold to Biblical principle with this while also protecting myself? What experience have others got with this? I come from a Protestant perspective, not Catholic, therefore the confession process is different. It's more like testifying.

I am not sure you do. I think there is virtue in feeling that judgment and learning to let it pass.

You cannot follow the narrow road in my opinion and cleave to the notion others judgments can steer you from getting closer to God.

I equate it to dancing in church.
Some easily do so openly and freely and in so they get more from the praise.
Other's just can't as they simply feel foolish.

There is no sin in later, but it is a self imposed barrier which reduces one experience.

So, you can be like most and just hold back or you can push yourself and see the benefits of expose to judgment in a safe context and grow.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

The Bible says, in James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

However, I have found that even as I have confessed my sins to others in the church, I have been judged instead of looked upon as a repentant sister acknowledging my sin. I want to follow Biblical principles, but I also do not want to put myself in a place of unnecessary vulnerability by Christians who pretend that my past sins are my present sins, that I'm still in those sins, and that they have none. How do I hold to Biblical principle with this while also protecting myself? What experience have others got with this? I come from a Protestant perspective, not Catholic, therefore the confession process is different. It's more like testifying.

The modern church, as a church, does not have the stomach for such a thing. I would recommend finding people you can trust as good friends, and asking them if it is ok that you share, and have prayer for healing.

 

[tturt]

View this verse to mean - find a fellow believer so both can reveal their faults to each othe confidently and pray together.