Confession is Just as Important as Forgiveness

When we do things God's way, it brings fruit and reconciliation. When we do things man's way, nothing good is accomplished, and often sin is coddled and allowed to grow.

Luke 17:3-4 "…3 Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” "

It is important not to miss the words "if he sins against you, rebuke him" and "if he comes and says, 'I repent,' forgive him.

Confession of sin is just as important as forgiveness; they are both necessary to reconcile a relationship. Without the confession, there is just enabling that causes evil to grow worse and conscience to be seared.

 
If we care about the offender, we tell them the offense and require a contrite heart to reconcile.

 
Our desire should never be just to feel peaceful while running from needed discussions that can resolve things.

 
There are those who have proven to be so unreasonable in their responses to the mildest challenges that we know an attempt at reconciliation through confession is impossible; this problem of arrogance and lack of humility is growing in our culture.

 
It is human nature to do the easy thing and just let everything go. But God's way is that we do the hard work of reconciliation that not only resolves things but grows people closer than if they had never resolved it and pretended it didn't happen.

 
The important thing to remember is that humility is required in both the offender and the offended. When this happens, relationships grow together in holiness and strength of character.

May we surround ourselves with people who think Biblically and are dedicated to quality relationships rather than superficial ones.