We have probably all heard the axiom, “Confession is good for the soul”. However, as an accepted truism what does it really mean? Understanding what we believe is vital to living our best life. Getting to the core of our beliefs gives us powerful awareness. If indeed we have a choice why not make the best of it.

Confession is good for the soul is derived from “Open confession is good for the soul” a Scottish proverb. You may have thought this quote originated in a Bible verse. Surely its essence may have come from the Bible. As we examine this idea, let’s look at how the word of God treats confession.

A “Perry Mason” Moment

Confession invokes thoughts of misdeeds spontaneously spewing from the belly of someone being persecuted, like lava from an active volcano, onto anyone in its vicinity. I am reminded of a “Perry Mason” moment.

Mason, a fictional character in the works of writer Erle Stanley Gardener, defended countless individuals charged with murder. His acumen included keen detective work, coupled with developing minute clues to solve cases, thereby exonerating his clients. Routinely during the trial a moment would come when the actual murderer would openly confess to committing the heinous crime, as if compelled to regurgitate the event, while the faces of those in attendance reflected shock and condescension.

While watching the clues unfold on screen in the popular television show was enjoyable, being the real life character that was exposed by the facts causing the confession was highly undesirable. It may be that part of the lure of watching some of today’s crime shows, which similarly point to a perpetrator, is that we are able to see ourselves more in the role of spotless accuser rather than confessor.

Perhaps we are able to feel less convicted by our personal misdeeds as we focus on the stories of others caught in the act,  as we cheer for their demise, or scoff at their blunders! We tend to develop farsightedness toward others seeing their faults glaringly, as ours appear microscopic.

Call it having skeletons in the closet, acts of unrighteousness, sin or ungodliness. By virtue of the fact that we are not perfect we have all fallen short.

However our all-knowing heavenly Father has made provision for those willing to be reconciled to Him, in our imperfection. In Romans 10: 9 His word reads: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (KJV)

A “Come to Jesus” Moment

When the word of God speaks of confession it is not related to that time when we pour out everything we have done that is wrong to a room full of shocked on lookers. That moment lacks Attorney Mason, dramatic lighting, and aggressive camera angles present on the television show. The passage in Romans chapter 10 has to do with a “Come to Jesus” moment.

The word used for confession refers to coming into agreement. When we agree that God is right, that is confessing.  So when our heartfelt agreement is expressed with our mouth, we are saved.

Our loving Father is concerned with our behavior and how we relate to Him. However, rather than the theatrical drama created by the author of the Perry Mason stories, our Heavenly Father desires for us to be righteous and holy. He wants us to look to those parts of Himself, and the plan He has established for us in order to draw us toward righteousness. He, love, draws closer to us as we draw closer to Him.

God is not in the practice of punishing us because He can. If that were the case His grace and mercy would not be so evident in our lives. The God of love, who is love, desires for all mankind to be saved. That is the reason that Jesus came to earth.

We are also told in 1John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (KJV) So when we are able to be in agreement that He is right we are able to receive forgiveness and cleansing. The focus is to be on Him.

Indeed, the Scottish were correct, confession is good for the soul!

Take Inventory and Take Action, choose what is good for your soul!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”