Most people find the idea of confessing their deepest and darkest sin "to another human being" absolutely frightening. Even when they understand that they are not asking for forgiveness (unless they are confessing to one they have wronged) but are asking for counsel and prayer, they choke at the idea of "airing their dirty laundry in public". Why?
For most of us, it is fear of rejection. We tell ourselves that if we tell someone all of our dirty little secrets, things we can hardly bear to look at ourselves, that they will despise us.
Rejection isn't easy to deal with under any circumstances. When we feel rejected, we feel certain fears deep within ourselves. We begin to feel inadequate and lonely. We feel lost and confused. We feel discounted. Then, to defend ourselves, we will probably be tempted to "act out", which makes no logical sense but it “feels” right.
Small wonder that the prospect of confessing to "another human being" should seem so threatening. Yet this is something the Bible says we should do (James 5:16) and is something we must do if we are to find the Freedom we seek. There is such a tremendous Freedom that comes with Transparency. I cannot stress this Truth enough.
How can we overcome this fear of rejection? First, we can remember that we are really pretending we have the power to predict the future when our past experiences make it crystal clear that we have no such power. Second, we can choose the one to whom we make our confession carefully. We can look for one who Loves GOD, Loves people, and has known struggle with sin in his or her own life. Such a person is likely to understand, because they know how difficult life can be. Third, we remember that no matter what rejection we face at any time in our life, GOD accepts us, and, after all, it is HIS verdict that really counts! Finally, we remember that we are in the Hands that were pierced by nails for our salvation, and we Trust HIM. We make our confession to another human being, and, if our experience is like most others who have done so, we find a warm friend, a loving heart, and a wise counselor.
Dear Heavenly FATHER, Please deliver us from the fear of rejection. Please grant us the Courage needed to continue on this Faith walk. Please let us be wise in choosing the one to whom we confess and courageous in making that confession. Let us learn to live by Faith and triumph over fear. Thank YOU, LORD JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, for all that YOU provide for us on a daily basis. I Pray to YOU, JESUS, in YOUR Precious Name. Amen.
Reading 1 Corinthians 16:1-13 this morning….
For most of us, it is fear of rejection. We tell ourselves that if we tell someone all of our dirty little secrets, things we can hardly bear to look at ourselves, that they will despise us.
Rejection isn't easy to deal with under any circumstances. When we feel rejected, we feel certain fears deep within ourselves. We begin to feel inadequate and lonely. We feel lost and confused. We feel discounted. Then, to defend ourselves, we will probably be tempted to "act out", which makes no logical sense but it “feels” right.
Small wonder that the prospect of confessing to "another human being" should seem so threatening. Yet this is something the Bible says we should do (James 5:16) and is something we must do if we are to find the Freedom we seek. There is such a tremendous Freedom that comes with Transparency. I cannot stress this Truth enough.
How can we overcome this fear of rejection? First, we can remember that we are really pretending we have the power to predict the future when our past experiences make it crystal clear that we have no such power. Second, we can choose the one to whom we make our confession carefully. We can look for one who Loves GOD, Loves people, and has known struggle with sin in his or her own life. Such a person is likely to understand, because they know how difficult life can be. Third, we remember that no matter what rejection we face at any time in our life, GOD accepts us, and, after all, it is HIS verdict that really counts! Finally, we remember that we are in the Hands that were pierced by nails for our salvation, and we Trust HIM. We make our confession to another human being, and, if our experience is like most others who have done so, we find a warm friend, a loving heart, and a wise counselor.
Dear Heavenly FATHER, Please deliver us from the fear of rejection. Please grant us the Courage needed to continue on this Faith walk. Please let us be wise in choosing the one to whom we confess and courageous in making that confession. Let us learn to live by Faith and triumph over fear. Thank YOU, LORD JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, for all that YOU provide for us on a daily basis. I Pray to YOU, JESUS, in YOUR Precious Name. Amen.
Reading 1 Corinthians 16:1-13 this morning….