CONFESSION
I know I am a sinner (Rom 3:23), but I can’t understand why I keep sinning; even when I don’t want to, even after going for confession I still fall into sin. Now, I no longer go for confession. Why confessing to the priest and not God?
Being a Christian is an on-going process. No Biblical hero (except Jesus who was also tempted – Heb. 4.15) or Saint who did not struggle with sin and sometimes fell. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. (Rom 7:19-20). A spiritual person struggles not to be overcome by sin rather to overcome sin by faith and righteous living (Rom 12:21). Note that one’s holiness is not in sinless-ness, rather in struggles with one’s sinful nature, and thirsting and yearning for God.
Are you guilty of any sin? Confess it (Lev 5:5), for if you confess your sins, the faithful and just God will forgive your sins and cleanse you of all your unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, empowers His Apostles (Bishops, who in turn empower the priests) to forgive sins (Jn. 20:21-23); confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much (James 5:16). Priests are to offer sacrifices for their sins and the sins of others (Heb. 5:1-4)
Once you begin to feel that confession is unnecessary, know that pride is growing in you, shame is keeping you far from God, you live in despair, busy work is replacing your salvation, and of course you are denying the forgiving and healing power of God. Forgiveness is one thing; making frantic effort not to sin is another thing. You need the Grace of God to stand erect, and yet you need to stand up to the devil and fight your way to holiness (Lk 13:24; 1 Pet 5:8-9). If you find yourself fall again after confession, stand up and struggle on. You are overcome (fail) when you give up on yourself. Do not grow weary while doing good, for in due season you will reap if you do not lose heart (Gal 6:9; 2Thes 3:13).
When was your last confession? What keeps you away? What efforts do you make to avoid sin? Break the yoke, free yourself, and Go for Confession, Trust in His Grace.
Be Blessed
