Confession - by Warwick Langman

Confession. It's not a word we like to hear. It means admitting fault, surrendering pride and confidence in yourself. The world around us loves independence and self-sufficiency. But we must not be swayed by the culture around us and put too high a value on these things, even if they can be good. We must be shaped by the gospel of grace, love, humility and compassion
And this is why confession is so essential. Without it we portray ourselves as the ones who decide right and wrong, who control our own destinies. We idolise ourselves.
1 John 1:8-2:2 says this
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."
Reflect on these questions
When was the last time you confessed your sins to God? to others?
Is this part of regular practice for you? What about for your family?
How does confession make you feel?

Jesus is at God's right hand advocating for us. He is the atoning sacrifice. He longs to forgive so why hold back?
The world around us should see God's grace through us as we become confessors, not self-righteous hypocrites. As forgivers, not ones who hold grudges.