Confession and Repentance
“Ugh!” you say, “Caroline, what a depressing subject. The school year is beginning; cooler weather is coming; the holidays are just around the corner; why talk about confession and repentance?” But actually what could be a better time to talk about confession than the beginning of a new year, at a time when change seems just around the corner. Remember Jesus began his ministry responding to John the Baptist’s call to repent and announcing that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Stay with me for a moment and think a bit about confession and repentance.
Confession can be one of the most freeing activities in which we as humans can engage. Seeing the past as it truly is, admitting our misguided and selfish ways, honestly connecting with those we have hurt are all liberating works. No longer need we pretend; no longer need we spend energy rationalizing that which is wrong; no longer need we avoid the unpleasant past. Imagine for a moment how you might feel knowing that you have faced truthfully who you are and what you have done and that God loves you still.
Confession opens the door to new life. Turning, repenting, from past ways and toward the new is hallmark of healthy living. Admitting out loud that which we know is unpleasing to God and that which needs to change can not only free us from the past but chart the way forward. The door behind closes as the new one streaming with light opens. We can hear the Word from a friend, or read it in a book, or hear it in the words of a song. We are called forward toward greater Kingdom living.
Make no mistake—confession and repentance are not easy. They require honesty. Often they lead to conversations we think we would rather not have. As we all know new behaviors don’t come as easily as what we have always done. But Jesus leads the way; God beckons us forward; the way of forgiveness and new life is our mission.
So I invite you now at the beginning of fall to take some time to look at your living. Ask God to walk with you as you question what you do, how you respond, who you are. Be ready to hear both that which is of God and that which is not. Confess, be forgiven, and turn to the new. I join you in this work.
Blessings,
Caroline
“Ugh!” you say, “Caroline, what a depressing subject. The school year is beginning; cooler weather is coming; the holidays are just around the corner; why talk about confession and repentance?” But actually what could be a better time to talk about confession than the beginning of a new year, at a time when change seems just around the corner. Remember Jesus began his ministry responding to John the Baptist’s call to repent and announcing that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Stay with me for a moment and think a bit about confession and repentance.
Confession can be one of the most freeing activities in which we as humans can engage. Seeing the past as it truly is, admitting our misguided and selfish ways, honestly connecting with those we have hurt are all liberating works. No longer need we pretend; no longer need we spend energy rationalizing that which is wrong; no longer need we avoid the unpleasant past. Imagine for a moment how you might feel knowing that you have faced truthfully who you are and what you have done and that God loves you still.
Confession opens the door to new life. Turning, repenting, from past ways and toward the new is hallmark of healthy living. Admitting out loud that which we know is unpleasing to God and that which needs to change can not only free us from the past but chart the way forward. The door behind closes as the new one streaming with light opens. We can hear the Word from a friend, or read it in a book, or hear it in the words of a song. We are called forward toward greater Kingdom living.
Make no mistake—confession and repentance are not easy. They require honesty. Often they lead to conversations we think we would rather not have. As we all know new behaviors don’t come as easily as what we have always done. But Jesus leads the way; God beckons us forward; the way of forgiveness and new life is our mission.
So I invite you now at the beginning of fall to take some time to look at your living. Ask God to walk with you as you question what you do, how you respond, who you are. Be ready to hear both that which is of God and that which is not. Confess, be forgiven, and turn to the new. I join you in this work.
Blessings,
Caroline
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated and will appear after they are approved.