Forgiveness God's WayChikamu

Day 5: Confess To and Pray for One Another

The scripture focus of today may be challenging for many of us because no one wants to confess their faults to anyone. But this is a command of the Father, and our healing depends on it.

To confess is to admit, reveal, or acknowledge one’s guilt for wrongdoing or sin. The word “fault” in the King James Version of the Bible is “sin” in the New International Version, and it is “trespass” in the New King James Version. The Greek translation for “trespass” is “paratoma.” This word refers to a trespass that a person commits that offends or affects another person in a negative way.

A general interpretation of this Scripture is we should confide our problems to a close, trusted friend so that he or she can help us by praying to God for help in overcoming them. By instructing us to confess our faults to one another, James does not mean we should reveal every sin and weakness to everyone in the congregation. But if we consider the meaning of the word “paratoma,” James is speaking specifically of acts that offend or affect others in a negative way.

In writing to an audience comprised of Jewish and Gentile believers, James states that it should be common practice for Christians to confess our sins to each other and to pray for each other. Therefore, when we commit an act that offends or affects anyone in a negative way, we should be honest about our wrongdoing. The Scripture says, “so that you may be healed” (emphasis added). It is clear here that our healing depends on this act.

In addition to confessing to one another, we should pray for one another. Others need not know we are praying or even ask us to pray. We may notice a brother or sister struggling with a problem, and rather than discussing their flaw with others, we should get on our knees to petition God on their behalf. James assures us that when we pray fervently, it will make a difference. We will be healed when we pray fervently and with the right heart condition. Prayer works!

Some Bible scholars interpret the word “healed” here as a reference to healing from physical illness. Others understand it to mean healing from emotional conditions such as discouragement and spiritual weakness. In either case, this healing requires two things from Christians: confession of our sins to each other and fervent prayer for each other.

In this context, I consider “healed” to mean holistic healing – spiritual, emotional, relational, and mental healing. In keeping with our discussion of God’s spoken word on forgiveness, if we confess our faults and pray for one another in interpersonal conflicts, we will be healed emotionally, healed of bitterness, and better off spiritually.

If we are transparent and honest with one another when we hurt each other, our relationships will be much more wholesome and healthier. If we confess our faults to one another, disputes will not worsen, and hurt will not fester.

One of the biggest hindrances to obeying this Word could be pride. You could be overthinking what the other person will think of you if you confess your faults. You may think you will look weak, or perhaps the person to whom you confess may think they have the upper hand. But think of the benefits and the abundant blessings of obeying God’s Word.

As you conclude today's reading, I am encouraging you to pray against pride. Make the resolution to obey God, not man. Decide that you will care most about what God says and thinks about you, not what man thinks or says about you. Your goal is to please God, not man. Do everything you can to ensure that.