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Confession: Ask for Forgiveness

Writer: Dwight SchettlerDwight Schettler
1 day ago3 min read

Guidelines for Confession

Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 4, Question 25, p. 63

Confession is a sacred act that allows us to acknowledge our faults and seek reconciliation with both God and those we have wronged. The next essential guideline in Guidelines for Confession is to "Ask for forgiveness." It's as simple and as profound as that - ask! Understanding you are not in a place to demand forgiveness, make it a request. You are requesting a gift of mercy.


Asking for forgiveness is more than just uttering the words. It is about humbling oneself and recognizing you are requesting a gift. In Genesis 50:17, we see Joseph's brothers recognized the need to make this request (although scripture is silent about whether Abraham actually gave this command): "Say to Joseph, 'Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Here, the brothers of Joseph seek not only forgiveness but also acknowledge their wrongdoing, demonstrating their recognition of this gift.


Psalm 32:5 teaches us the importance of confession in seeking forgiveness: "I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin." This verse highlights that confession must be accompanied by an open heart, ready to admit the truth of one's actions without concealment. Recognizing the forgiveness is an undeserved gift.


In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of reconciliation with others: "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 that the pursuit of forgiveness must extend to those we have wronged, not just to God.


The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:13 provides a profound lesson in humility: "But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'" This display of genuine repentance and humility is what asking for forgiveness truly entails.


Finally, we are reminded of the promise of forgiveness in 1 John 1:7b: "And the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." Through confession and seeking forgiveness, we are cleansed and restored by the grace of Jesus Christ.


Asking for forgiveness is a vital guideline in the process of confession. Be sure to put a question mark on the question to emphasize this as a request rather than an expectation. While it's true that scriptures indicate they should forgive you, in your confession it should be a request. It requires humility, sincerity, and a genuine acknowledgment of one's faults. By following this principle, we open the door to healing and reconciliation with God and others.


 

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

 
 
 

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