Is it necessary or beneficial to discuss the details of past sin?

[Healing with Jesus]

Good morning brothers and sisters,

I've been having a discussion with an online friend, and I'm trying to feel out what kind of believer he might be. It can be more difficult to discern the fruits of the spirit online, but I think it's possible with the Holy Spirit's guidance.

I have been sharing some details of a trial I've been going through, and mentioned that the Lord brought me to my knees after a period of sin. He helped me overcome and leave behind these areas of habitual sin one by one (praise the Lord ) and while that's not to say I live without sin, these areas that once consumed me no longer have a hold on me. (I hope I am not overly confident in this: I recognize that my ability to stay out of sin is 100% dependent on my dependence on Jesus.)

So my friend asked me what my sins were. I immediately felt defensive and haven't written back yet. I took a moment to prayerfully ponder my defensiveness-- if this is because I'm being defensive in my flesh, or if my spirit is disturbed at the prospect of discussing past sin, with the possibility that I might not actually bring glory to God, but to the devil, the world, or my flesh as I describe the sins that once consumed me.

It a delicate balance. I've been trying to look at myself with compassion, as Jesus does, but at my actions as despicable, being that they separated me from God and put Him on the cross. Might I mention, sad to say, but I was a believer during my last period of succumbing to sin, so thank God that He brought me to my knees instead of allowing me to continue in that path. I know that I'm justified in my acceptance of his sacrifice, so I am bewildered at being asked to talk about things I've buried.

Not to say I don't occasionally process these things in a safe space-- I attend therapy for this sort of reason since my past has been riddled with both being victimized and committing habitual errors. I just don't know if spilling about them to someone whom I only sort of know, in a context where confidentiality isn't guaranteed, is really going to glorify the Lord...

Sometimes when I hear stories that focus on someone's past, I get distracted and end up thinking more about where they came from than where they are now, or where they're going...

What do you think?

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Admitting sin to someone, even a well known person, can be difficult because it makes us vulnerable. The person we open up to could judge us, even if it is a Pastor or minister. After all they are human right?

But still scripture says to confess your sins to one another so you may be forgiven. Admitting sins by name is a Great way to get release from them. Anyone can say, I have sinned! It takes real courage to admit what sin has been committed.

I would say the defensiveness is really just your heart guarding itself from judgement.

 

[miamited]

Hi HWJ,

I would say that bythespirit could be correct as to your hesitancy to be open about the actual sin you have been involved in. However, I think that there are ways that you can express the kind of sin without a lot of specificity that might be what really makes you uncomfortable.

I have satisfied the sexual lust of my body through the temptation of inappropriate contentography. That's as explicit as I'm going to be about it. I have also overcome being quick to anger and I have a much stronger control over my tongue than I used to. That's my confession of my sin. I need not recount for anyone the specifics of satisfying my lust or the angry arguments or careless words I have spoken to confess the sin.

Perhaps you could consider how you might be able to confess your sin to your online friend in a way that wouldn't make you particularly uncomfortable.

You also asked if it would be helpful to do so? I think that, yes, we can use our experience with past troubles and sins to help others caught up in those same troubles and sins now. First of all, we can truly empathize with their feelings. Often times people who have never experienced a particular issue that one is struggling with, are seen as not being able to understand the feelings and emotions that the one struggling is dealing with. Those who have made it through the same struggles surely can empathize with them.

God bless you and I hope you will be a strength for your friend,
In Christ, ted

 

[A_Thinker]

Good morning brothers and sisters,

I've been having a discussion with an online friend, and I'm trying to feel out what kind of believer he might be. It can be more difficult to discern the fruits of the spirit online, but I think it's possible with the Holy Spirit's guidance.

I have been sharing some details of a trial I've been going through, and mentioned that the Lord brought me to my knees after a period of sin. He helped me overcome and leave behind these areas of habitual sin one by one (praise the Lord ) and while that's not to say I live without sin, these areas that once consumed me no longer have a hold on me. (I hope I am not overly confident in this: I recognize that my ability to stay out of sin is 100% dependent on my dependence on Jesus.)

So my friend asked me what my sins were. I immediately felt defensive and haven't written back yet. I took a moment to prayerfully ponder my defensiveness-- if this is because I'm being defensive in my flesh, or if my spirit is disturbed at the prospect of discussing past sin, with the possibility that I might not actually bring glory to God, but to the devil, the world, or my flesh as I describe the sins that once consumed me.

It a delicate balance. I've been trying to look at myself with compassion, as Jesus does, but at my actions as despicable, being that they separated me from God and put Him on the cross. Might I mention, sad to say, but I was a believer during my last period of succumbing to sin, so thank God that He brought me to my knees instead of allowing me to continue in that path. I know that I'm justified in my acceptance of his sacrifice, so I am bewildered at being asked to talk about things I've buried.

Not to say I don't occasionally process these things in a safe space-- I attend therapy for this sort of reason since my past has been riddled with both being victimized and committing habitual errors. I just don't know if spilling about them to someone whom I only sort of know, in a context where confidentiality isn't guaranteed, is really going to glorify the Lord...

Sometimes when I hear stories that focus on someone's past, I get distracted and end up thinking more about where they came from than where they are now, or where they're going...

What do you think?

I also would be hesitant about responding to a brother/sister's request for information about my sins.

Few Christians are equipped to handle such revelations well. Some Christian groups will possibly broadcast ... or use such information against you in the future.

I would only divulge such information to someone that I know I can TRUST to handle it well (I.e. someone like a priest or minister).

Or ... I might reveal such failings/struggles, as led by the Spirit, ... to minister to another struggling brother.

I think that I would ask your online acquaintance "WHY ?" he/she wants to know ... as they haven't yet provided enough justification for such a request, in my view ...

 

[hislegacy]

What sin?

The ones cast as far as the East is from the West?

The ones in the sea of forgetfulness?

The ones you are cleansed of?

 

[Healing with Jesus]

Hi friends. Thank you for your insights. I just wanted to post a little followup of this situation.

I ended up letting the conversation fizzle out and did not immediately answer my friend's request for information about my past sin. We have since had subsequent conversations, and it became clear that this was not a case where it would have brought any glory to God to share my struggles.

I m glad I didn't tell him any more than I already did. In some situations, it may have been appropriate. But in this case, it seems that he was looking for a little dirt on me. Not for gossip, necessarily, but to satisfy his earthly curiosity.

Now, having had this experience, I think I would share my struggles with a fellow female, in an appropriate context, if it was as a testimony that could have the effect of showing how Jesus has brought me into the light. But, this was not the case in this instance.

Anyway, just thought I'd share the outcome. God bless you all.

 

[spiritfilledjm]

Is it necessary as in required? No. Is it beneficial, for closure for yourself? Yes. Can you use your past to bring others to Christ? Yes. So...completely up to you but there are benefits.

 

[tturt]

yes we're to confess our sins to one another but -
think that sometimes we boast about our sins especially later. So it's going to depend on our heart and attitude about them if we use it as a witnessing tool.

 

[jiminpa]

Hi friends. Thank you for your insights. I just wanted to post a little followup of this situation.

I ended up letting the conversation fizzle out and did not immediately answer my friend's request for information about my past sin. We have since had subsequent conversations, and it became clear that this was not a case where it would have brought any glory to God to share my struggles.

I m glad I didn't tell him any more than I already did. In some situations, it may have been appropriate. But in this case, it seems that he was looking for a little dirt on me. Not for gossip, necessarily, but to satisfy his earthly curiosity.

Now, having had this experience, I think I would share my struggles with a fellow female, in an appropriate context, if it was as a testimony that could have the effect of showing how Jesus has brought me into the light. But, this was not the case in this instance.

Anyway, just thought I'd share the outcome. God bless you all.

It sounds like you have a good handle on it. Speaking of past sins can go either way depending on the situation.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Good morning brothers and sisters,

I've been having a discussion with an online friend, and I'm trying to feel out what kind of believer he might be. It can be more difficult to discern the fruits of the spirit online, but I think it's possible with the Holy Spirit's guidance.

I have been sharing some details of a trial I've been going through, and mentioned that the Lord brought me to my knees after a period of sin. He helped me overcome and leave behind these areas of habitual sin one by one (praise the Lord ) and while that's not to say I live without sin, these areas that once consumed me no longer have a hold on me. (I hope I am not overly confident in this: I recognize that my ability to stay out of sin is 100% dependent on my dependence on Jesus.)

So my friend asked me what my sins were. I immediately felt defensive and haven't written back yet. I took a moment to prayerfully ponder my defensiveness-- if this is because I'm being defensive in my flesh, or if my spirit is disturbed at the prospect of discussing past sin, with the possibility that I might not actually bring glory to God, but to the devil, the world, or my flesh as I describe the sins that once consumed me.

It a delicate balance. I've been trying to look at myself with compassion, as Jesus does, but at my actions as despicable, being that they separated me from God and put Him on the cross. Might I mention, sad to say, but I was a believer during my last period of succumbing to sin, so thank God that He brought me to my knees instead of allowing me to continue in that path. I know that I'm justified in my acceptance of his sacrifice, so I am bewildered at being asked to talk about things I've buried.

Not to say I don't occasionally process these things in a safe space-- I attend therapy for this sort of reason since my past has been riddled with both being victimized and committing habitual errors. I just don't know if spilling about them to someone whom I only sort of know, in a context where confidentiality isn't guaranteed, is really going to glorify the Lord...

Sometimes when I hear stories that focus on someone's past, I get distracted and end up thinking more about where they came from than where they are now, or where they're going...

What do you think?

Once sins have been repented of and forgiveness gained, then God buries them in the deepest sea of His forgetfulness and puts up a sign, "No Fishing!"

This means that God doesn't know what you are talking about when you start discussing previous forgiven sins. They are the greatest non-issue of the gospel.

 

[GoldenKingGaze]

I would be careful that online messages are not read by third parties. Some inquires are not needed, it should not entertain. I would use general terms and need to know why it is relevant first. Perhaps use encrypted mail, or paper.

 

[DennisTate]

Is it necessary as in required? No. Is it beneficial, for closure for yourself? Yes. Can you use your past to bring others to Christ? Yes. So...completely up to you but there are benefits.

Well said... Pastor Todd White does a wonderful job of using his 22 years as a drug addict to inspire all his listeners to want a "baptism of the Holy Spirit"..... so that we can reach the lost more effectively.

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

Good morning brothers and sisters,

I've been having a discussion with an online friend, and I'm trying to feel out what kind of believer he might be. It can be more difficult to discern the fruits of the spirit online, but I think it's possible with the Holy Spirit's guidance.

I have been sharing some details of a trial I've been going through, and mentioned that the Lord brought me to my knees after a period of sin. He helped me overcome and leave behind these areas of habitual sin one by one (praise the Lord ) and while that's not to say I live without sin, these areas that once consumed me no longer have a hold on me. (I hope I am not overly confident in this: I recognize that my ability to stay out of sin is 100% dependent on my dependence on Jesus.)

So my friend asked me what my sins were. I immediately felt defensive and haven't written back yet. I took a moment to prayerfully ponder my defensiveness-- if this is because I'm being defensive in my flesh, or if my spirit is disturbed at the prospect of discussing past sin, with the possibility that I might not actually bring glory to God, but to the devil, the world, or my flesh as I describe the sins that once consumed me.

It a delicate balance. I've been trying to look at myself with compassion, as Jesus does, but at my actions as despicable, being that they separated me from God and put Him on the cross. Might I mention, sad to say, but I was a believer during my last period of succumbing to sin, so thank God that He brought me to my knees instead of allowing me to continue in that path. I know that I'm justified in my acceptance of his sacrifice, so I am bewildered at being asked to talk about things I've buried.

Not to say I don't occasionally process these things in a safe space-- I attend therapy for this sort of reason since my past has been riddled with both being victimized and committing habitual errors. I just don't know if spilling about them to someone whom I only sort of know, in a context where confidentiality isn't guaranteed, is really going to glorify the Lord...

Sometimes when I hear stories that focus on someone's past, I get distracted and end up thinking more about where they came from than where they are now, or where they're going...

What do you think?

I don't believe it's necessary to admit past/forgiven sins to another person. If you've sinned against that person then you confess your sins to them and seek their forgiveness. Other wise I don't feel it's good to keep dragging it out and exposing something that is covered in the blood of Yeshua. Also, being as you do not really know this person, scripture tell us to be warry of who we confess to. Now there might be times when God will lead you differently, but even then, "details" are not necessary.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

There is a lot of wisdom in the verse: "Forgetting the things that are behind, we press into the future, toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ."

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

There is a lot of wisdom in the verse: "Forgetting the things that are behind, we press into the future, toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ."

I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically agree