Most people find the idea of confessing their deepest darkest secrets or sin "to another human being" absolutely frightening. Even when they understand that they are not asking for forgiveness (unless they are confessing to the one they have wronged) but are asking for counsel and for prayer. Many choke at the idea of "airing their dirty laundry in public". But 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 & lonely. We feel lost & confused. We feel discounted. Then, to defend ourselves, we may be tempted to "act out", which makes no logical sense but it “feels” right in the moment.
Small wonder that the prospect of confessing to "another human being" should seem so threatening. Yet The Bible says we should (James 5:16) and that is something we must do if we are to find the Freedom we seek. There is a tremendous Freedom that comes with Transparency. I cannot stress this enough. Your transparency may be the key that unlocks someone elses cell door and releases them from the heavy chains that have bound them for many years.
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, in reality we have no power at all.
Second, we can choose the one to whom we initially make our 1st confession to very carefully. We can look for one who Loves GOD Almighty, Loves people & has known struggle in his/her own life. This person is likely to understand as they too know how difficult life can be.
Third, we remember that no matter what rejection we face at any time in our life, The FATHER accepts us, and after all, it is HIS verdict that counts.
Finally, we remember that we are in the Hands that were pierced by nails so that we could receive the hope of eternal salvation & 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 & a wise counselor.
Dear Heavenly FATHER, Please deliver us from the fear of rejection. Please grant us the Strength and 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 for all that YOU provide for us on a daily basis. I Pray to YOU in The Name of YOUR Son, YESHUA, JESUS The CHRIST. Amen.
Reading 1 Corinthians 16:1-13
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 & lonely. We feel lost & confused. We feel discounted. Then, to defend ourselves, we may be tempted to "act out", which makes no logical sense but it “feels” right in the moment.
Small wonder that the prospect of confessing to "another human being" should seem so threatening. Yet The Bible says we should (James 5:16) and that is something we must do if we are to find the Freedom we seek. There is a tremendous Freedom that comes with Transparency. I cannot stress this enough. Your transparency may be the key that unlocks someone elses cell door and releases them from the heavy chains that have bound them for many years.
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, in reality we have no power at all.
Second, we can choose the one to whom we initially make our 1st confession to very carefully. We can look for one who Loves GOD Almighty, Loves people & has known struggle in his/her own life. This person is likely to understand as they too know how difficult life can be.
Third, we remember that no matter what rejection we face at any time in our life, The FATHER accepts us, and after all, it is HIS verdict that counts.
Finally, we remember that we are in the Hands that were pierced by nails so that we could receive the hope of eternal salvation & 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 & a wise counselor.
Dear Heavenly FATHER, Please deliver us from the fear of rejection. Please grant us the Strength and 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 for all that YOU provide for us on a daily basis. I Pray to YOU in The Name of YOUR Son, YESHUA, JESUS The CHRIST. Amen.
Reading 1 Corinthians 16:1-13
