When you hear the word “confession” what comes to mind? A formal process of absolving guilt? A box to check in the pursuit of the holy? Perhaps the word triggers shame or is a displaced practice long forgotten. Confession follows repentance and is spurred on by the Holy Spirit to bring forgiveness, freedom and transformation. In his messages to the seven churches of Revelation, John describes repentance as a turning back to “do the things you did at first” (Revelation 2:5). He also says, if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Living in the light results in an awareness of sin, grief over separation and a desire for the presence of God.

knowledge of which by others is considered humiliating or prejudicial to the person confessing; a making known or acknowledging of one’s fault, wrong, crime, and weakness. It is also the acknowledging of sin or sinfulness and the confessing of sins. This seems like a definition that will work for us, except for the fact that in the 1st century no one had ever taken part in privately confessing one’s sins. Confessing our sins to one another (not private) seemed the way the church practiced confession in John’s community, and this remained consistent for about 600 years according to historian David M Knight. Confession in 1 John 1:9 is a commitment of what we know of God in light of what he has done through Jesus and the cross to create a new community. For the early Church, actions and words were both a testament to this in the presence of others. By confessing our sins, we are able to confess God as his light overcomes our brokenness and brings healing to our common life together. It is only when we begin to confess our sins and need for God that healing can really break in. Confession was a way to convince the community of our repentance and faith. Pastor and author Brennan Manning wrote, “in a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor becoming a light for others”

---

For more study on the practice of confession:
Might from the Margins: The Gospel’s Power to Turn the Tables
on Injustice by Dennis R. Edwards

Read the following prayer in agreement with voices within our Missio Dei Chicago community;

Jesus, we come to you exposed in our shame, accused or accusing,
Waiting for you to condemn us or join in our condemnation of others
We are full of fear to have our secret sins brought into light before you.

But Lord in your grace, you remember how we are formed,
That we are fragile and broken, that we came from dust.

Help us to lift our downcast eyes and turn to see you.
Help us hear and believe that because of your great mercy, we are not condemned.

Because YOU do not accuse or condemn us, but instead love us,
Spirit, empower us to go and sin no more.

Kristen Stone, Missio Dei Wrigleyville