Guidelines for Confession
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 4, p. 61 & 62
Expressing godly sorrow in confession reflects true contrition – it is a
fruit of repentance. However, we are so accustomed to self-justifying
that our words often serve to avoid taking responsibility for our sin.
Instead, our words seek to blame others or explain away our guilt.
To express godly sorrow in your confession, consider the
following Guidelines for Confession:
Go as a beggar
Own your sin
Identify your sins according to God's Word
Express sorrow for the hurt your sins have caused
Commit to changing your behavior with God's help
Be willing to bear the consequences
Ask for forgiveness
Trust in Christ's forgiveness
It is important to not view this as a checklist. It is not necessary to "check all the boxes." This intent of these guidelines is to give you a tool for expressing well, the contrition in your heart. A well thought out confession, using this list as a guide, is likely to be received as a true confession.
But, this also comes with a warning. Do not use these guidelines to mislead or coerce the other person into forgiving you. You will not fool God. "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:7-8)
Over the next week or so, we will explore biblical support for each of these guidelines. You can find these guidelines in Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation Bible study as well as the form Proclaiming God's Forgiveness. You can also view the online Proclaiming God's Forgiveness form.
As you use these guidelines, always be sure to look to Jesus for your healing and comfort; always trust in Christ's forgiveness because it is certain: we read in 1 John 1:7, "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."
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
Bible study format through Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation OR Go and Be Reconciled: What Does This Mean?
Downloadable and reproducible version of Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation
Seminar format for either Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation or Go and Be Reconciled: What Does This Mean?
Webinar format for Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation or Go and Be Reconciled: What Does This Mean?
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FREE Online course: Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation Self Study
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