Introductory Thoughts
The Bible always serves as the best source for adequately defining a Bible word. According to Joshua 7:19, confession is connected to the act of telling what a person has done—refusing to keep it hidden. Joshua told Achan to give “glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.” Psalm 32:5 identifies confession as acknowledging a matter—refusing to hide it. Additionally, Proverbs 28:13 defines confession as the opposite of covering one's sin. In John 1:20, the word confessed appears twice with a defining phrase in between— “and denied not.” In the same manner, Acts 19:18 demonstrates that those who “confessed” “came . . . and shewed their deeds.” The scriptural evidence points to confession as the willingness to make known that which could otherwise be private, personal, or hidden. Keep in mind that regardless of one's willingness to confess, nothing can be hidden from the Lord.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): God asked Cain where his brother Abel was. Cain said he did not know. Cain knew exactly where Abel was and so did God (Proverbs 15:3). Cain did not want to tell God because he was trying to hide what he had done to his brother, but it is impossible to hide anything from God.
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(For everyone): What are some things that believers ought to be willing to confess (hint: Romans 10:9; 1 John 1:9)? How important is confession in your life?
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We are generally quick to make known things that ought to be kept quiet and slow to confess things that should be confessed. Are you willing to make known the right things?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you understand the importance of confession for your life and the life of your family.
- Ask God to help you confess the right things and never consider hiding anything from God.
Song
Lord, Forgive! MyFaith Renew!
