Most Christians have heard over and over again the importance of confessing our sins to God, but what about confessing to others? It is a scary thought, but when good Christian friends are able to listen, it truly helps with healing and growth.

I am not Catholic, but when I studied the Catholic denomination, I found that the desire and importance of confession were much more prominent in their church culture than any other. I talked to priests and friends about why this might be. I found that they had a better sense of forgiveness and less guilt than I did. The way they talked about being born again, how forgiveness works, and the healing or transition of our old self or our new self had something special. This led me to dive deeper into the act of confession. What I found has made such an impact on my spiritual life.

In most denominations, we will talk about confessing our sins to God, but we hardly ever talk about confessing our sins to others. The truth is that confessing our sins to others is an important part of building a stronger community, finding accountability, and moving past the guilt and shame we carry.

James 5:16 (ESV)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

James 5:16 is a great verse that explains why we should practice confessing to one another. It isn’t just to ‘get it off your chest,’ but it is so that people can pray for you and be there for one another. There is healing that happens in out-loud confession. We are not created to walk the hard path of righteousness alone, God created the Church for communion, fellowship, and accountability so we can learn from one another and walk with one another.

That being said, I know that it isn’t always easy. A lot of people have experienced gossip and the pain that comes with it. We are scared to confess our sins because of the fear of betrayal or judgment. Can we really trust the people around us?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

I had to learn that I cannot control how others will react to my confessions, but what I can do is be someone to whom others can feel comfortable enough to talk. I found that when I do this, God will show me who I can talk to. It took me a while to find people and the strength to confess the sins that had burdened me for years. There were people who hurt me, who I should not have trusted, but God helped me through it and kept me strong. Eventually, I found friends who I could confide in and who also confided in me.

The past year, I have grown in faith, and a lot of it is due to letting go of the burdens of my past sins. I have friends who support me and help me with temptation and accountability. I have people by my side. We have created a community in Christ that is open and safe. Healing comes from confession, and now that I know, I can grow.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.