Sneeze and Confess

There is a strange experience that each of you can identify with because you have experienced it in your life. It is this strange feeling of a sneeze coming and then the feeling starts to go away. You go into emergency mode and try to make yourself sneeze. You scrunch your nose, you hold your breath, or you breath lightly through your nose. Why? You do whatever you can to try to make yourself sneeze because a good sneeze feels good!

The bible talks about something we are to do that will feel good when it is done, just like a sneeze.

James 5:16
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.

I consider this one of the most underused practices of the Christian life because we none of us wish to admit our failings to those around us. We believe in confessing to Jesus.
1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

So it seems like that should settle it. Why confess to others?
According to James 5:16:
1.       So that we can receive prayer.
2.       So that we may be healed.
3.       So that an effective, powerful change can come over our lives.

So, find a trusted friend and begin with James 5:16 as a context. If they share the same desire to mature spiritually set a weekly meeting. I have benefited from this practice for more than 15 years with a friend of mine and recently another friend has joined us. We share the same calling as pastors and have no secrets between us. I believe that my confessions have brought greater victory, physical health, and have protected me from sliding deeper into ugly sin pits.

The next time you fight to enjoy a good sneeze, think about the good feeling that comes from confessing your sins to a good friend who will pray for you.

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