There is a subtle, yet significant, difference between the admission of wrong and true confession. And for years as a Christian, I think I didn’t really understand it. Let me give you an illustration.

Let’s just say – and of course, this would never happen! – In a moment of irritation, I speak unkindly to my wife. A friend overhears what I’ve said and confronts me. I’ve been caught. There’s no way of escaping it. So with him watching, I say to her, “Luella, please forgive me for my unkind words.”

I’ve admitted what I said was wrong, and that’s a good thing, but there are two potential flaws in this admission. First, it could be that the only reason I admitted to wrong was because I was caught red-handed. I may not have been grieved at all by what I said. I may have confessed simply because I was in trouble.

The second flaw could be that the admission was only a confession of behavior. This is still a good and necessary thing, but it may not be a true confession of the heart behind the behavior.

Here’s the point. It’s only when I’m grieved by my sin and acknowledge that this sin is heart-deep that my confession will be followed by the turning of repentance. You see, I speak unkindly to my wife, not because my schedule is busy or because she’s less than perfect, but because I think I’m king. There are things that I want, and when she gets in the way of these things, I’m immediately irritated.

Our struggle with sin runs much deeper than just behavior. We need to confess that we have a heart that’s run amuck.

I want to take this a bit further next week. We’ll look at one of the most beautiful confessions in Scripture. But for now, meditate over these reflection questions.

* What are some selfish motivations that spur your “confession”?
* Why is it easier to confess behavior than heart motivation?
* How can you be more grieved by personal sin?

God bless,
Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An “instrument of change” in the Redeemer’s Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Woman of Character Program Director.

Paul David Tripp
“Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life”