Confession to fellow humans brings about its dose of freedom. Below is a personal experience:
In past times, my dad had always said I lived a mysterious lifestyle loaded with secrets which he was cognisant of. In reality, this was truth but even I had convinced myself that I did not and would always put up a defence.
My relationship with my parents, especially my father was very strained. Whenever he called me, the first thing I thought was ‘what did he know’ or ‘what had he found out’.
I ran when no one chased. I was snappy, defensive, uncomfortable, paranoid and restless. If I had any issues, I couldn’t speak to my parents.
If I needed help, I couldn’t ask them not because they couldn’t or wouldn’t help, but because I was a walking guilt like the prodigal son who wallowed with pigs when he had an unlimited inheritance.
I found comfort in strangers with no good than in the mother who poured blood over me and never stopped pleading with tears to God on my behalf.
After accepting Christ and God began to work and is STILL working in me, I felt the weights I carried dropping as I freely spoke about the things I did in my unregenerate life to my parents.
Sometimes, I would blurt out something and only realise after I had said it to them that this was something I had previously locked up in my heart and thrown away the keys to.
This was the realisation the prodigal son came to when he finally returned to his senses and went back to his father to confess and ask for forgiveness.
Did his father chide? Did his father upbraid him? Did his father scold him for the things he confessed?
No. He threw a feast for his beloved son and this is exactly the mercy God has been giving me with my earthly parents:
- Where anger is the expected reaction at some of the things confessed, thanksgiving is done.
- Where disappointment is expected, joy is expressed.
- Where regret is predicted, testimonies are uttered.
- Where abandonment is foreseen, multiplication of inheritance is gifted.
- Where abuse is certain, prayers are lifted.
This can only be the work of Jesus Christ. This can only be the freedom the Holy Spirit gives. This can only be the effectual working of the blood of Jesus that cleanses all guilt and shame.
Confession will fail you when done from a place of conceit (which is really gilded shame).
Freedom through confession to man isn’t limited to child-parent relationship as shared above. This freedom has been experienced and improved the relationship with siblings, friends, co-workers, subordinates, superiors and (*not personally experienced but I dare say*) romantic relationships.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed…”
(James 5:16)