UNPACK This...Confession Leads to Growth and HealingSample

Coaches And The Press Conference

As fans, we often enjoy hearing the emotional, controversial, and hard-to-admit comments given by coaches and players after a difficult loss. In some ways, we listen to their remarks to determine if we’ll forgive them for the loss. We want to hear if they honestly admit to making mistakes, or if they shift the blame.

Former Carolina Panthers head coach, Matt Rhule, made this admission following a tough loss to Minnesota: “I’ve always tried to be really honest and real and direct about where I think the fault is. As a coaching staff, we didn’t get the job done today…We have not closed these types of games out. I try to look and see where the fault lies and today I would put it squarely on us as a staff, which starts with me.”

Going before the media and the fans to admit you failed and didn’t do what you were supposed to do can’t be easy. In admitting his role in the loss and taking responsibility for falling short, Rhule demonstrated great leadership.

Similarly, as followers of Jesus, going before the Lord and acknowledging that we have disobeyed and fallen short is very challenging.

However, this process of confession and repentance is key to spiritual growth and maturity. Although we’re going to have bad days when we blow it in one way or another, we must lean into Jesus for forgiveness. He’s always waiting with open arms, grace, and love.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

Thankfully, we serve a loving and grace-filled God who desires for us to confess and turn away from our sins. Each day, let’s embrace this practice and trust Him for strength, so we can live a life pleasing and honoring to Him.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit it’s hard coming before You daily to humbly admit my sins, but I pray that confession and repentance will be a normal part of my life as I follow Jesus. Please make me aware of the sins that I commit, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I’m deeply grateful for the grace and mercy You show me through Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.