What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say: Truth From God's Word for Any SituationSample

Life-Giving Words for Bringing Restoration

As her friend sat across from her at the table staring directly at her, she realized she was in trouble. Carelessly, she had had a conversation with someone else the day before in which she’d let slip out the secret her friend had confided in her. And now her friend knew—and had her cornered in confrontation.

What do we say when we know we are guilty? When we’ve been called on the carpet by someone else or even convicted by God Himself? Of course, we want to find a way out. We want to squirm long enough to let ourselves off the hook in some way that feels less guilty—as if by lying we can improve our goodness! But God calls us to go in a different direction.

The path to restoration begins with an attitude of humility—and a deep belief in God’s forgiveness. As we understand our own depravity in the light of God’s Unrelenting Grace, we gain the boldness to come clean…to admit our failures, and to honestly, authentically seek the forgiveness of those we have offended. As we learn to confess our sins to God and one another, God says we are healed—healed from hiding and pretending—and restored to walk a better way the next time.

So I confess my iniquity; I am anxious because of my sin. PSALM 38:18

This has been eating me alive, and I need to be completely honest with you. Can we talk?

The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. PROVERBS 28:13

It was completely wrong for me to respond to you the way that I did. I can see that I hurt you, and I’d like to try to make it right.

Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. PSALM 19:12

I’ve noticed you’ve seemed distant lately. Have I done or said anything that has offended you?

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. JAMES 5:16

I can’t seem to overcome this sin in my life. No matter how hard I try, I keep failing. Would you please hold me accountable in this area and pray for my victory?

If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. I JOHN 1:7

It feels like there is a wall between us whenever we talk. But I’d love for that wall to come down. What can I do differently to help you feel safe to talk to me?

The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God. PSALM 51:17

I completely blew it, and it was all my fault. Will you please let me try again?