Saturday, September 24, 2011

Do we need to confess our sins to those we have sinned against?

"Do we need to confess our sins to those we have sinned against?"

 

 

 

We know we are to confess our sins to God, but many Christians wonder whether we need to confess to those we have sinned against.

 

 Do we need to tell the person we've sinned against that we're sorry?

 

 "Walking in the light" (1 John 1:7) means that we are living in obedience to God's commandments. In the same verse we have references to forgiveness through Christ and "fellowship one with another."

 

So, there is a connection between having a "clean slate" and our relationship with other people.

 

 

 

Every sin is ultimately committed against God (Psalm 51:4).

 

The Bible consistently emphasizes our need to confess our sins to Him (Psalm 41:4; 130:4; Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9).

 

 As for the confession of our sins to people, the Bible gives no blanket command.

 

We are told many times to confess our sins to the Lord, but the only direct command to confess to someone else is in the context of church elders praying on behalf of the sick (James 5:16).

 

This does not mean that we are never to seek another person's forgiveness.

 

 The Bible gives examples of confession to other people.

 

 One is Joseph's brothers asking for his forgiveness in Genesis 50:17-18. And person-to-person confession is implied in such passages as Luke 17:3-4; Ephesians 4:32; and Colossians 3:13.

 

 

The principles here seem to be

 

 1) We should seek forgiveness from the Lord for every sin. He desires "truth in the inward parts" (Psalm 51:6).

 

2) If our relationship with the Lord is right, our relationships with other people will fall in line. We will treat others graciously, with justice and honesty (Psalm 15). To sin against someone and not attempt to make it right would be unthinkable.

 

 3) The extent of the apology for a sin should match the extent of the impact of the sin. Or we should seek forgiveness from whoever was directly involved in order to ensure healing.

 

For example,

if a man looks with lust at a woman, he should immediately confess the sin to the Lord. It would not be needed or appropriate to confess that sin to the woman. That sin is between the man and the Lord.

 

 

 However, if a man breaks a promise, or does something that directly impacts the woman, he must confess to her and seek her forgiveness. If a sin involves a large number of people, such as a church, a man or woman must then extend the confession to the members of the church.

 

So the confession and apology should match the impact. Those impacted by the sin should hear the confession.

 

While our forgiveness with God is not dependent on our confessing our sins to others and/or their forgiving us, God does call us to be honest and forthcoming with others regarding our failings, especially when it involves them.

 

 When we have offended, hurt, or sinned against others, we should seek to offer a sincere apology and confession and ask for forgiveness. Whether the forgiveness is granted is up to those who were confessed to.

 

Our responsibility is to genuinely repent, confess the sin, and ask for forgiveness.

 

 

Recommended Resource: The Gift of Forgiveness by Charles Stanley.

Who do men say that I am? Luke 9:18

Who do men say that I am? Luke 9:18

Jesus Is Neither…

Ancient, modern, or post-modern—He is Eternal.

Liberal, conservative, or orthodox—He is the Truth.

Conventional, legalistic, or traditional—He is Holy.

Denominational, non-denominational, or inter-denominational—He is the Head of the Church.

Entertaining, amusing, or diverting—He is Fullness of Joy.

Republican, Democrat, or Libertarian—He is King of kings and Lord of lords.

One of many ways to God, the best way to God, or the Western way to God—He is the only Way to God, no one comes to the Father except through Him


Roy Lessin


Turning back, Holding on, Loving Jesus...

You can turn back to God, because He has not turned His back on you.
You can hold on to God, because He has not released His hold on you.
You can love God again, because He has never stopped loving you.



I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:21-22


Flow back PROFITS in time

"Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you" Ecclesiastes 11:1 NLT.


God's system works on the principle of sowing and reaping.

What you pour out will come back to you in increased measure.

When you give generously, a generous harvest will return to you.

When you help others succeed, you will find abundant success on your path, too.


What are you investing in the lives of the people around you? Are you helping others get ahead?


There are people in your life who hold the keys for you to reach your full potential. These are people that God has placed in your life for you to help along. The higher they rise up, the higher you will rise up. When you give generously of your time, talent, and resources, you are setting yourself up for greater success. People will come across your path that will help you grow and reach your full potential. But you have to do your part to step out and sow the seed. Be on the lookout for ways you can help others. As you give of yourself to help others grow, you'll rise higher and live the abundant life He has in store for you.


Where Would We Be Without Jesus?

Where Would We Be Without Jesus

Without Jesus' words we would be witnesses with nothing to say;

Without Jesus' authority we would be ambassadors with nothing to do;

Without Jesus' love we would be servants with nothing to give.

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT

Roy Lessin

 

 

Thought For The day

" Being with GOD in a prison like Joseph is far more better than being away from GOD in a sophisticated cruise like Jonah"

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Know What to Carry

Roy Lessin
Never put down trust, because that is something God wants you to carry;
"Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward."  Hebrews 10:35


Never pick up cares, because that is something God wants you to cast away.
"Cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you" 1 Peter 5:7

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