I John 1:8-10, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”

It’s been said, “Confession is good for the soul.” Is this statement true? Is confession easy to do? To whom should we confess, anyway? I must confess, I find it hard and awkward to confess my sins to other people. I find it difficult to confess to God, as well.

Confession to God is serious business. Confession to God means we accept our sins, and we acknowledge that God can do something about our sins. Here are some reasons why people struggle to confess their sins to God.

1. IGNORANCE. You do not know what you do not know.  You don’t know what you did wrong. Sometimes you have to wait for a sermon or for someone to remind you of your transgressions. Some people do not believe their actions are sinful. They think their actions are just misguided mistakes, and errors. No need to confess, so they think.
2. GUILT. This is the big one here. People struggle to face God when they are aware of the huge wall of sin blocking their view of God. They may feel bad, remorseful, and ashamed. They might wonder if the Holy God would want to hear from them. They envision God saying, “Not again. How many times are you going to keep sinning and coming back to ask for forgiveness?” Acknowledging your own sin is a humbling exercise. Facing God while you are in sin is embarrassing and shameful. Hiding or ignoring your sins does not make the sins disappear. Sooner or later, you are going to deal with those sins. It is better to confess them now, when grace is available, than at a time when it would be too late.
3. BUSYNESS. A rushed life has no time for deep, thoughtful communication with God. When people are rushed, they tend to make general, drive-by prayers. They gloss over serious problems, and dismiss them as insignificant errors. Quality, unhurried time with God is conducive for serious reflection on the ugliness of sin, and the beauty of God’s abundant grace.

“Every time we confess how we have missed the mark of God’s love and truth, we open ourselves up to the mending work of the cross. Jesus’ wounds hold true life-changing power. This is the shocking reality that confession can open up to us.” (Adele Calhoun)

Yes, confession is good for the soul. It makes the soul right with God. God knows your sins. God is not happy with your sins. Continuing in sin places your relationship with God in jeopardy. You must confess your sins, not only to clear your conscience, but to clear the path to God.

Stop running, stop hiding, confess your sins to God, and God will cleanse you.