In The Middle Of The MessSýnishorn

In community, we can confess to each other, pray for each other, and remind each other of the truths Christ has spoken to us in His living Word, the truths we’ve learned through our personal meditation. By reminding each other of these truths, we find healing in Christ through each other. We remind each other that we are loved just the way we are, and that shame and lies only thrive when we hide, when we withdraw to our hidden places. Shame and lies cannot survive the light of confession.

But why is it important to confess our sins to each other? Surely God hears and forgives, doesn’t He? In James, we read, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).

The word that James uses here for confess means to say out loud, to agree. Confessing to safe sisters takes away power from the enemy who loves to isolate us and keep us in the dark. There is also a fresh awareness of our sin when we confess to another. I can minimize my sin when I hold it to myself, but when I speak it out to another I face the serious weight of what my sin cost Christ. . . .

Do you have a community of safe-place sisters? If you have those sisters who know and love you, who speak truth and hope to you when you’re in the darkest of places, then hallelujah that you know this immense blessing. If you don’t, I pray this will happen for you. More than that, I ask you to make this your daily prayer: “God, lead me into a community of safe sisters.”

Then watch and listen to His voice. He will lead those sisters to you. And as He leads women to you, ask yourself whether the women will treat your life with care and compassion, whether they will ask and keep asking questions until you’re ready to tell them the truth, whether they will love you no matter what. If they will, you’ve found your community of healing. Push into it. . . .

Do you bear your true self before God in prayer? Do you also share your innermost secrets with a safe sister? God promises to be present, and He will be faithful in response to your courage.