In his book, "The Christ of The Mount," E. Stanley Jones recounts his experience with the "Confession of Sin Club" in India back in the 1940s. He thought it remarkable that people would gather just for the purpose of confessing their sins. What he discovered in attending was that they were confessing other people's sins. It turned out to be something of a gossip circle.
True to form, they, like we, were not too keen on revealing their personal sins - those sins they preferred to keep close to their chest, choosing to hide or deny rather than reveal. Too bad, for revealing someone else's sins only leads to criticism and judgment, followed by defensive attitudes and hard feelings. On the other hand, confessing your own sins can bring about humble change and healing.
Jesus' brother, James, was very clear in saying, "Confess your sins, one to another, and you will be healed" (Js 5:16). It's worth noting that he didn't say forgiven but rather healed. Confessing sins to God brings forgiveness while confessing to each other brings healing. How so?
If you struggle with addiction or pornography or greed or whatever, denying it allows it to continue its hold over you, preventing you from getting help and encouragement in overcoming it. Confessing it to someone you trust, who will listen to you, be in your corner and pray for you, gives you opportunity to begin the process of being released from its grasp.
Whether you accept my reasoning or not, here's something to hang your hat on: Confess yours sins rather than hide them because the Bible tells you so.
Jus' Sayn.
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