The grace of God is a gift. The mercy of confession is undeserved. As a priest once said to me, “in confession the sins are burned” and then the Lord says, “be at peace.” I do not deserve a second chance or at this point many millionth chance, but our gracious and loving God keeps giving them out. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) All praise and glory is His! Being recipients of such an astounding gift, what can we do but live for the Lord? Life is about learning to die to self and serve Him in love.
In the Gospel of John (8:11) Jesus forgives the woman and says, “Go and sin no more.” There is such true freedom in forgiveness. You get to be filled with a renewed purpose and joy.
Sometimes people avoid confession due to embarrassment or truthfully pride. Humility is good for the soul’s growth. Surrendering everything all to God, including embarrassment brings great peace. Confession is a such tremendous gift! Use it regularly and don’t miss out on an abundance of God’s mercy and graces.
In times of grief or illness, it is often prayed that someone will experience “peace that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). I have come to feel confession is the gift of true peace that surpasses all understanding. Matthew 13:49-50 says, “So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” Far more tragic than any illness or grief would be separation from being in right relationship with God.
