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(a letter regarding the confession of sin and the restoration that follows)

Dear:

Thanks you for being willing to open up your life and heart to us yesterday. I know that it wasn't easy. The Lord tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9 Thank you for taking to heart the fact that we are indeed sinners saved by grace.

I was thinking about some of the things that might be crossing your mind right now. You might be wondering how will this all play out, what are people thinking of you, etc., etc. There is never any real fear when we do what is right in God's eyes. Arthur and I always say, what is, is. By sharing with all of us, you didn't create something that wasn't already there. What you did do was to give yourself the best chance for healing, restoration, and change.

I have known people in the church who had unconfessed past sins. It seems, as the years go by, their effectiveness is hindered by the "secret." They were not able to properly warn those coming behind them of the dangers that they themselves experienced. We have seen the pattern of their life repeated by those who came behind them. Confession is freeing and can be just the step you need to move on.

There are consequences to the actions and decisions that we make in our lives. By confessing, you don't change the consequences of the past actions, but you do change the further distortions that might continue to affect your life.

1. You restore your integrity. You no longer have to wonder "if anyone is going to find out." No one can dig anything out from the past on you because you have already confessed. You don't have to ostracize yourself or let other people ostracize you for your past deeds. In the story in John 4 about the woman at the well, we see her coming to the well at noon. She came at a time when the other ladies did not come, so she wouldn't have to face them. She felt that she wasn't good enough or worthy to be with the "regular people." By confessing, you free the church to come along side you and to love you in His name. We can now have a relationship that can grow in true knowledge of Him and ourselves.

2. You start honestly dealing with the consequences. Maybe your actions have affected you in ways that you didn't realize. You do need to make a break from the things that are reminders of a life that is controlled by the flesh. You need to put those things behind you. You already experienced some of the lies and destruction that comes from being guided by the flesh rather than obedience to the spirit. The Lord says in James 4, you are either friends with the world or with Him. You cannot be friends with both Him and the world. You also might need to make time to talk to some people who were affected by your actions. In humility, you may need to mend some relationships with people who were hurt by your transgressions in this area (parents, close friends, younger "brothers or sisters").

3. You can come along side those who need someone to say, "I have been there. I know what you are going through. Let me help you work through these feelings, issues etc. There is a better way."

4. You can say with fullness of heart, "The Lord is my salvation. His grace is great towards a wretched sinner like myself." He can and will "cause all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose". (Romans 8:28)

5. You can count yesterday as a day where you not only confessed but grieved and repented from your past sins. I know you have probably already shared these things to other people and confessed your sins privately to the Lord. Nonetheless, there is a special power, grace, and freedom that comes when someone has the courage to die to what other people think of them and confess with tears to a close accountable fellowship.

I pray that you would allow me as well as others in the church to come along side of you. I pray that your only concern would be to be doing God's will in His way. As you put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lust thereof (Romans 13:14), I know that He will let you experience the abundant life that He promises His children. Walk in light and not in darkness. Turn your face only to those things that are light and spirit and not "to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life." (I John 2:15-17) If you have anything further you would like to share or you have other thoughts that came to your mind, please email or call.

With much love in Him,

Sandra

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