Confession

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. - James 5:16 

One of the beautiful things about the church is how God puts together a group of people with different giftings, talents, backgrounds and experiences in a way that all connects and gives life. At Bridges, we have some amazing people that add so much to the body of Christ.  

Troy Burnett is one of those people along with his wife, Chaka. God has gifted him to speak, teach, and preach in a clear, authentic, inspiring and clever way to not only grab and keep our attention but to challenge us through the Word and bring us to new understandings and real-life change.  

This past week, he delivered a message on confession from James chapter 5, a message that got me thinking and reflecting this week. It has stuck with me.  

Confession is not something we talk about too much, but the Word stresses its importance.  

James 5:16 reads: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” 

Confess – pray – find healing. It's simple to write. Simple to read. Simple to understand. Difficult to implement – only because we resist it due to pride, shame, culture, and any number of other reasons. It makes us feel vulnerable. But being vulnerable and open can lead to freedom.  

This past week we were challenged to make confession part of our walk with Jesus.  

His concluding challenge:  

“Put confession into practice.... open that door...”  

“Talk to a close friend ...call ...text ...meet over coffee...”   

3 statements that might help you get started:  

1.  Hey, I’ve been struggling with “xyz” lately.  

2.  I am dealing with “this” this week.  

3.  I fell into the sin of _______ this week.  

And a request that won’t be turned down: “Will you pray for me?”  

Perhaps, something has been holding you back in your walk with Jesus and perhaps, confession is that key to unlocking a new freedom for you. Maybe it’s time to take that step and put into practice what He is calling you to do.  

Make the effort, contact a friend, confess and find healing and freedom and wholeness.