I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the Discipline of Confession as a “corporate” discipline–that is one that you should do with another person. This has been brought up several times in groups where people are puzzled and concerned about this.
On the one hand, many people are reluctant to share their deepest sins with another person. Trust seems to be a major roadblock. But I think there is a deeper problem–it’s hard. It is hard enough just to look at yourself and become aware of things you do or thoughts you dwell upon as sins. But to tell another person really opens you up to the possibility of ridicule, rejection or worse.
But psychologists will tell you both from experience and from research that healing cannot commence until you seriously recognize your problem and get it out in the open. That is the only place where healing can begin.
On the other hand, there is the situation of being the hearer of the confession. Do those words from Scripture really tell me that I can extend forgiveness to another? Just because Jesus said we have the power to forgive sins on earth, is it really true?
Some people are raised to believe that priests and pastors are people set aside by God and invested with certain powers–one of which is to hear confessions and forgive. Others do not accept that distinction–rather accepting the theology of the priesthood of all believers.
We believe that God’s grace is there for everyone. If anyone confesses their sin and resolves to turn their life around and walk with God, they are forgiven. There is no problem for a believer to be the healing person to put that into words for the penitent person. In fact, you can become God’s instrument of healing and faith formation for that person in that moment.
And what better thing can we do with our lives than help someone else begin the journey?
Faith Venture 
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