Confession, Integrity & Honesty

[AlexB23]

Hello folks. Confessing our sins is important to do, as we all sin. For the first time in two years, I have confessed my sins to a priest, as he offered guidance to me. We can confess directly to Jesus, but sometimes a priest can give us some tips from a human perspective.

Date​	July 13, 2024 | Confession, Integrity & Honesty​
Verse​	Exodus 20:16 (NIV): "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." 1 John 1:8-9 (NIV): "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." James 5:16 (NIV): "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Psalm 51:1-4 (NIV): "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge." Proverbs 28:13 (NIV): "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy."​
Explanation​	These five passages from the Bible emphasize the importance of honesty, truthfulness, and confession of sins. Let's break down each passage and their relevance:​ Exodus 20:16: This commandment prohibits bearing false witness against your neighbor. It teaches us to always speak the truth in our interactions with others. Honesty is crucial for building trust, maintaining relationships, and living an upright life pleasing to God. 1 John 1:8-9: These verses remind Christians that we are all sinners and must confess our sins to find forgiveness and purification from unrighteousness. By admitting our wrongdoings, we acknowledge our need for God's grace and mercy in our lives. James 5:16: This passage encourages the practice of confession among believers as a means of healing and praying for one another. It highlights the importance of community support and accountability within the Christian faith, reinforcing the idea that we should not isolate ourselves when struggling with sin. Psalm 51:1-4: King David's heartfelt confession to God serves as an example for how to approach repentance in our own lives. In this prayer, he acknowledges his transgressions and asks for mercy, emphasizing the importance of a sincere and humble attitude when confessing sins directly to God. Proverbs 28:13: This proverb warns that concealing one's sins will not lead to prosperity or success but rather brings punishment upon oneself. It encourages Christians to confess their wrongdoings and renounce them, allowing for mercy and forgiveness.
Societal Relevance​	In the modern world, it can be challenging to remain honest in a dishonest society. As believers, we are called to live differently and set an example by practicing integrity, transparency, and truthfulness. This might involve standing up against societal norms that promote deceit or unethical behavior. When confessing our sins directly to Jesus, it is essential to approach Jesus with a repentant heart, humbly acknowledging our wrongdoings and asking for His forgiveness and grace. This process helps us grow in our relationship with Him and strengthens our faith. Catholic and Orthodox Christians may choose to confess their sins to a priest during confession (also known as the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation). The purpose of this practice is not only to receive forgiveness but also to gain spiritual guidance, advice on how to avoid repeating past mistakes, and to experience God's mercy and grace through the sacrament. Lastly, confessing our sins to a fellow friend or Christian in general can provide accountability, support, and encouragement during difficult times. It is essential to choose someone trustworthy, who will pray for you and offer wise counsel as needed. When sharing your confessions with others, always maintain respect for their feelings and privacy while also seeking God's wisdom on how best to approach the situation. Sins can be a vice for me, so for myself, it makes sense to confess. On July 13, 2024, after skipping confession for two years, I have confessed my transgressions to a priest. Now, while confession can be directly done to Jesus, it takes courage to confess to another person. God wants us to muster the resolve to admit our mistakes to others. Sometimes, the time to confess may take a few days or weeks, but it is better to admit our sins later compared to never.​