“We’re only as sick as the secrets we keep.” - Maria Nemeth

A while back I was sitting in a SPAR meeting and the question was asked, “What unconfessed sin do you have in your life today?”After three minutes of examining my heart and journaling about my sin, the follow-up question was asked, “What was the first sin that came to your mind, that you did not write down?” Immediately the sin that I did not want to confess came to my mind and I was asked to journal about that sin and then to confess THAT sin to another brother. 

As I opened my mouth to begin my confession I was scared. I wanted to hide, but I knew the results of hiding and wearing my mask. It always leaves me alone, in fear of being found out, and unable to truly be loved for who I am. I must come out of hiding, be fully known, and bring my sin into the light. I stumbled through my confession as more and more sin was being brought into the light. I was worried about what my brother was thinking about me. My pride tried to convince me to only share half-truths. But I knew I must bring ALL of my sins into the light to be healed. 

After my confession, I was affirmed for my bravery and obedience, my brother prayed over me, and I thanked God for forgiving me of my sin. I felt like a weight was taken off of my shoulders. I felt physically lighter because of my confession. I was able to look another human being in the eyes, being fully known, and at that moment I was fully loved. There was so much FREEDOM in the feeling of not having to hide anymore. 

Have you ever had the thought cross your mind, “No one can know about my sin?” Or when you think of a specific sin in your life you have the thought, “I can never tell anyone about THIS sin?” ME TOO! There were a few sins in my life that I told myself, “No one can ever know of this sin. I must stuff it deep inside, I must hide it, I can never let anyone into this part of my life.” It is with these lies that the enemy has us cornered and he can use those sins to torment us and lie to us about our identity.

It is those sins that the enemy uses to hurl accusations at us to keep us isolated, and believing the lie that we ARE our sin. 

Have you heard the lies: 

• You are all alone 
• No one has temptations like you do. 
• No one understands your pain. 
• If people know your sin, they will reject you. 
• You will never be free; you were born this way.

When we receive and accept these lies as truths we remain in isolation and we battle sin alone. No matter how strong you feel you are, a  single soldier cannot win a war. You need your brothers to come alongside you in the battle against sin. 

 Confession is critical to the Christian life. Not just confession to the Lord, but also to another human being. We confess our sins to the Lord for forgiveness, and we confess our sins to another human being for healing. James 5:16 says 

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

God is all-knowing. He sees all actions, perceives all thoughts, and knows all secrets. We do not confess to God to reveal something “new” to Him, but we confess to God so that we may be forgiven. However, when we confess to another human being according to James 5 that is where healing happens. 

Sin survives and grows in the darkness of isolation. We must be obedient in bringing our sin into the light with the Lord and another human being, and receive the forgiveness and healing that is available to us. 

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:7-9

Can you imagine what your life would be like if you didn't have to hide? What would it feel like to not have to have the thought cross your mind, “My wife can never know about….” or “I will take this sin to my grave.” What if you were fully known and fully loved by all of those around you? What would it look like to allow another human to know the depths of your heart and still love you for who you are and what you have done? 

It is possible today. You don’t have to wait. Freedom is possible today. What sin is tormenting you today? What sin is keeping you up at night? What sin are you afraid of people finding out? What sin came to mind as you are reading these last few sentences? THAT IS THE SIN TO CONFESS! I encourage you today to pick up the phone, meet up with another brother that you trust, and confess that sin to them. Come out of hiding today. You don't have to live another day in the torment and lie of sin. 

You have what it takes! This world needs the Jesus in YOU! Freedom is possible for YOU! The cross was enough for YOU! Healing is possible for YOU! Trust Jesus with the forgiveness of your sin and confess your sins to another brother today to receive the healing promised. I am praying for you as you bring your sins into the light today.