Counsel of Spiritual Life

Counsel #13 — Confession

Picture: Counsel #13 — Confession CSL 30.1

As you spend more time with Jesus and get to know Him better, you come into a close relationship with Him and naturally start caring more about what He wants and likes. You long to please Him in everything. So, when you mess up and hurt Him, the Holy Spirit impresses your heart to feel bad about it, and to want your relationship with Jesus restored; you want things to be right again. CSL 30.2

When we fall at the feet of Jesus, confessing our shortcomings and mistakes, it’s an act of humility, acknowledging that we’ve done wrong and need help. As He helps us up from our knees, we lean by faith into His arms as a child is comforted by a forgiving parent. Because the barrier of sin has been removed, our relationship with Him becomes even stronger.⁷ CSL 30.3

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 NKJV CSL 30.4

“The Lord does not ask us to do something hard and painful so that our sins may be forgiven… We cannot pay for our sins by suffering. Anyone who confesses his sins and turns away from them will receive mercy.” Ellen White in Steps to Jesus, p. 33 CSL 30.5

Reflect: How could you experience the comfort and restoration Jesus gives in a greater way after confessing your sins? CSL 30.6