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Expressing Godly Sorrow: Guidelines for Confession

Writer: Dwight SchettlerDwight Schettler

Guidelines for Confession


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


  • 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:

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