James 5:16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
I could have sworn that somewhere in the N.T. it said, Confess your faults TO GOD or to one another.
No way will I confess my faults to another human being. I confess my sins to God and God alone. Can you imagine the fear I would have to live with, if I bared my soul to someone who would turn around and expose me??? I'd kill myself.
Please, read it again. Break it down, James 5:16, "confess your faults" "one to another" "and pray for one another" "that you may be healed" "the effectual fervert prayer" "of a righteous man" "availeth much"
Going back a few scriptures also James 1:13,14,15, is any among you sick?
Confession to an effectual praying righteous man. Praying for one another to be healed. It seems to say, someone you know is righteous that has results when they pray. Especially for healing.
Sometimes we just need to admit to others we've been wrong, fallen short, struggle, messed up, etc. Sometimes when we just admit simple faults, there is freedom & inner healings. I don't think it's biblical or wise to give detailed accounts of sin. Ephesians 5,
Hello again . I'm reading through Psalms at the moment and have just read Psalm 32 , it's lovely and I thought it might help you . It was written by David who was a man well acquainted with sin and the consequences of it . I hope it is a help to you .
I can relate to what your saying. I don't think the scripture means to share our faults with just anyone, and I'm not sure it means to share 100% of every negative thing we think about ourselves or every possible sin. Too much focus on negative things can also feed negative thinking. I think this is reserved for an extremely selective few or one within boundaries of mutual trust to where its appropriate to share something that will allow accountability and strength in hearing. In my experience, this opportunity doesn't occur very often. It's something I've prayed for through the years. Many people don't have trusting relationships and don't have this opportunity so I don't think anyone should feel bad if they are not in a situation allowing for this.
Also, the feeling of "alone" is just a perception that is subject to change. Some feel alone in a crowd, but someone else in the same exact situation may feel a part of a community even if they don't know or talk to anyone. Someone may feel alone even while they interact in a Bible chat like this, but others might feel this is like their church community. Some feel alone by themselves, others thrive and don't feel alone even when no one is physically around. In a sense none of us are alone, because we always have God to talk to. Which is correct? Which mindset is healthiest for us to have?
It says in James 5:16 to confess our sins to one another. But this does not mean to anybody, but to those who you are in a strong Christian friendship with who knows you well and deeply cares for your growth as a believer. It is not easy to be honest with others about our failings. But we are instructed to do so. We can also confess to a pastor. But even so, we must confess to God when we know we have sinned. If we have sinned against another person, then we are to go to that person and confess that we have wronged them and ask for forgiveness and make restitution (if applicable). This is what honorable people do. so, I suggest that you pray about this and before you share with someone else your sins. God can bless such intimate exposure to one another in so many amazing ways.
Dgjot you must never think that because it's just not true . God and Jesus are with you 24/7 they are with you right this minute and they will not ever leave you . Talk to them , do not be afraid to pour your heart out , they really do love and care for you . They know you inside out , faults and all and they still love you . You can come on here and confess your faults if you wish , it's totally anonymous so you have nothing to fear from us . We are all in the same boat , very aware that we are nothing more than sinful creatures of the flesh , we are all sinners on here and there is no judgement among true believers . Please don't think that you are alone because you most definately are not , you are surrounded by love every day .
I could have sworn that somewhere in the N.T. it said, Confess your faults TO GOD or to one another.
No way will I confess my faults to another human being. I confess my sins to God and God alone. Can you imagine the fear I would have to live with, if I bared my soul to someone who would turn around and expose me??? I'd kill myself.
Going back a few scriptures also James 1:13,14,15, is any among you sick?
Confession to an effectual praying righteous man. Praying for one another to be healed. It seems to say, someone you know is righteous that has results when they pray. Especially for healing.
Sometimes we just need to admit to others we've been wrong, fallen short, struggle, messed up, etc. Sometimes when we just admit simple faults, there is freedom & inner healings. I don't think it's biblical or wise to give detailed accounts of sin. Ephesians 5,
Hopefully these are helpful
I can relate to what your saying. I don't think the scripture means to share our faults with just anyone, and I'm not sure it means to share 100% of every negative thing we think about ourselves or every possible sin. Too much focus on negative things can also feed negative thinking. I think this is reserved for an extremely selective few or one within boundaries of mutual trust to where its appropriate to share something that will allow accountability and strength in hearing. In my experience, this opportunity doesn't occur very often. It's something I've prayed for through the years. Many people don't have trusting relationships and don't have this opportunity so I don't think anyone should feel bad if they are not in a situation allowing for this.
Also, the feeling of "alone" is just a perception that is subject to change. Some feel alone in a crowd, but someone else in the same exact situation may feel a part of a community even if they don't know or talk to anyone. Someone may feel alone even while they interact in a Bible chat like this, but others might feel this is like their church community. Some feel alone by themselves, others thrive and don't feel alone even when no one is physically around. In a sense none of us are alone, because we always have God to talk to. Which is correct? Which mindset is healthiest for us to have?
It says in James 5:16 to confess our sins to one another. But this does not mean to anybody, but to those who you are in a strong Christian friendship with who knows you well and deeply cares for your growth as a believer. It is not easy to be honest with others about our failings. But we are instructed to do so. We can also confess to a pastor. But even so, we must confess to God when we know we have sinned. If we have sinned against another person, then we are to go to that person and confess that we have wronged them and ask for forgiveness and make restitution (if applicable). This is what honorable people do. so, I suggest that you pray about this and before you share with someone else your sins. God can bless such intimate exposure to one another in so many amazing ways.
Hopefully this is helpful
I am sorry that you feel so alone. As Jaqui said, God is always with us and within us who believe on Jesus.
Even so, I do know how loneliness feels, so I will pray for you. I pray that God will bring trustworthy, believing friends to you soon.
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