Therefore
confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be
healed.
James 5:16 NIV
When
we hear the word "confession" in a religious context the image that
probably most comes to mind is that of a Catholic priest hearing a list of
sins, the person expresses regret, is given something to do as penance, then is
absolved. Only the priest, as the earthly representative of GOD may forgive.
Well,
if you're in an Alcoholic Anonymous session you can tell the things you've done
wrong to your sponsor (in fact it's one of the steps). While he can't forgive
you in GOD's name (according to the Church) he can help you come to terms and
make yourself ready to make amends (the next step) with those you have wronged.
Then you go out and ask those people to forgive you themselves.
There
was a study once I read of that determined soldiers who were of a religion that
had a formal process of confession suffered fewer emotional problems than those
who did not. Speaking it out loud, expressing regret, and being told they were
forgiven made the memories of what had been done bearable.
But
can you truly be forgiven by GOD without a priest or other human authority?
Look to the Bible. In James 5:16 it is to EACH OTHER we should confess. Not a
priest, not a minister. Then you pray for each other. The verse says "so
that you will be healed." Our Mediator, Christ Jesus, by whom our sins are
paid for in full, many times combined forgiveness of sins with healing.
So
finding a trusted person to tell your sins to helps. Each listens
compassionately and non-judgementally to the other. They express their regret
to GOD praying for and with each other. And, according to GOD's Word, they are healed. Amen!
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