Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 MSG
Everybody sins. Everyone has wrong thoughts, bad actions and impure motives. This is the “yuck” that you confess (calling it the same thing as) to God. “If you confess your sins, He is faithful to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
But, what’s the deal about confessing your sins to each other? When you choose to do the wrong thing; those actions affect all around you, as well. They have been negatively impacted. Your sin “pukes” over them. You don’t mean it to, but it’s the inherent nature of sin.
Once you have asked God for forgiveness (vertical confession), you have a burning desire to make it right with those you sinned against (horizontal confession). So, you confess your sin to them. Then you are healed. You are made whole, once again. No more “elephant in the room” to try to ignore. You have a clean slate. You walk in the freedom of forgiveness. Not the bondage of bitterness. There’s a healing balm to that lifestyle.
Plus, it opens a door for them to confess any wrongdoing to you. It becomes reciprocal! That’s a win-win! Talk about healing!! And spontaneous prayer springs forth from your hearts. You pray for one another. Your posture is right before the Lord…and right before each other…and oh, those prayers are powerful and effective.
You are in right standing with God…with a humble, forgiven heart, and as you pray, the God of all the Universe, moves His hand. You are joining Him in what He is doing. He knows the best answer the best way. He is actively working for your good and His glory and so you pray with His power and His authority. No wonder your prayer is effective! No wonder “it availeth much!”
Pretty sweet way to walk all your days on earth, isn’t it? So confess, be healed, pray…and watch Him work!!!
