Slavic Christian confess your sins that you may be healed

Dear Slavic Christian, 

James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

This verse speaks a powerful message that can free captives if you believe it.

I’m writing about this topic because there are so many individuals in my Slavic Christian community who carry pain, sin, bitterness, fear, hopelessness, doubt, etc., in their hearts instead of sharing it (in the case of pain with those who may have inflicted it upon them). 

The consequence? Self-isolation, depression, anxiety, confusion, insecurities, further hopelessness, etc.

The opposite of this is to set yourself free by sharing the pain in your soul and setting yourself free: first with Christ, second with someone you trust, and third with the person who hurt you (if it is applicable and they’re safe to confess to).

What does this look like practically?

First, you must acknowledge that the pain took place and planted the seeds above. Don’t deny or bury it because it will only fester. 

Second, you must bring the pain before God in prayer. He already took all of the above to the Cross and died for them. You don’t have to carry these problems on your own. Why prayer, specifically, is our sign of submission and surrender before the Lord. If we try to take matters into our own hands, the pain will only exacerbate because of our pride getting in the way. 

Next, talk about it with someone who can support you and hold you accountable during the healing process. A stable spiritual support system can help you have an outside perspective instead of a subjective one.  

Also, if it is safe to do so (and the person you’re confessing your offense to will not harm you physically or spiritually), bring this up with them.

Matthew 18:15 says, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 

We must confess our sins, confront those who have sinned against us, and forgive so we can live the abundant life He gave us through the Cross. 

The question is, do you want to release the offenses you’re carrying, or have they become a part of your identity? Do you understand how much you’ve been forgiven for doing the same to another?

Do you recognize the cost of not confessing your sins and allowing them to keep you in bondage, further separating you from the Lord? What will it take for you to take these steps towards freedom? When will you have enough of the burdens you’ve been carrying and allow the freedom and healing to take over?