“Sin is not hurtful because it is forbidden, but it is forbidden because it is hurtful.” Benjamin Franklin I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. Romans 7:19 NLT Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people—men or women—betray the LORD by doing wrong to another person, they are guilty. They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged. Numbers 5:6-7 NLT John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Mark 1:4-5 NASB But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Luke 19:8 NIV Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13 NIV We confess to God for – 1 John 1:9 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Psalm 51:1-4 NIV The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:8-12 NLT Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16 NIV We confess to for – James 5:16 “When our embarrassment level is exceeded by our desperation level, we are a candidate for God’s grace.” Peter Lord “Our brother has been given to us to help us. He hears the confession of our sins in Christ’s stead, and he forgives our sins in Christ’s name. He keeps the secret of our confession as God keeps it. When I go to my brother to confess, I am going to God.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer Questions for Discipleship group and/or personal study: Opener: When you hear the word “confession” what comes to mind? How do you react to this idea of confession to another person? Go to the Source: Read 1 John 1:9. Is confession to God part of your regular rhythm in life with God? Do you find it helps to relieve your guilt and shame? Read James 5:16. Do you believe that confession to another could bring about healing in your life? Why or why not? Live it out: How can you develop a posture that is open and non-judgmental so people would feel safe to share with you? What is stopping you from confessing to another for healing?