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Confession: Go As a Beggar

Writer: Dwight SchettlerDwight Schettler
5 hours ago2 min read

Guidelines for Confession

Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 4, Question 25, p. 61

In our journey of faith, Jesus calls us to seek reconciliation with those we have wronged. The first of the Guidelines for Confession, "Go as a beggar," emphasizes the importance of humility and genuine repentance in this process. This principle is beautifully illustrated in several passages from the Bible.


Matthew 5:23-24 says, "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." This passage underscores the urgency and priority of seeking reconciliation before continuing with acts of worship. It calls us to acknowledge our wrongdoings and take immediate steps to make amends.


The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:19 further exemplifies this principle. The son, realizing his sin, says, "I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants." His humility and recognition of his unworthiness are key to his repentance and eventual reconciliation with his father. This parable reminds us that true repentance involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of our failures and a sincere desire to make things right.


Lastly, in Luke 18:13-14, we see the tax collector standing far off, unwilling to lift his eyes to heaven, beating his breast and saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" Jesus commends this man's humility, saying, "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." This teaches us that God's mercy is bestowed upon those who approach Him and others with true humility and contrition.


As we strive to follow Jesus' teachings, let us remember the profound importance of approaching those we have wronged with the humility of a beggar, seeking undeserved mercy and reconciliation. In doing so, we open our hearts to the transformative power of grace and forgiveness.


As you make your confession, remember these words of Psalm 32:1-2: "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit."


 

This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:

 
 
 

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