Confession Builds Community

Confession builds Community

Scripture reading: Nehemiah 9:1-5 and James 5: 13-20

Focus verse: James 5:16 (HCS)  "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent [prayer] of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect."

When someone confesses to a sin, you see them humbled before you and God.  This brings the opportunity to build community when you pray for that person.

In the scripture reading, you see the Israelites of Nehemiah's time, and in James, the Christians, confessing their sins to each other.  This was a practice that helped build community.  When you read the Word of God and face your humanity, it humbles and brings confession.  All of us have sinned and fall short of God's best.  Community is built stronger when we realize that there is none righteous, but Jesus.  We recognize Jesus as the head of our community.

I remember at a campfire service, there were testimonies of the work of Christ in the lives of the people.  One young man stood and confessed to a hidden sin.  This humble act of confession sent shockwaves as two more young men stood to confess the same.  Many gathered around to pray for these men.

We don't need to confess every sin to everyone.  If you have sinned against someone, then a confession is necessary.  If you feel trapped in your sin, you need to confess to a strong believer for prayers and encouragement.  Prayerfully consider if there is sin that would be better brought into the light of confession.

by Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries