There is a simple way to test the sincerity of a confession … whether yours or someone else’s.
How detailed is your plan for repentance?
“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret (turning from sin, growing in Christ-like character, and enjoying a clear conscience), whereas worldly grief produces death (empty words, passing regret, and unchanged attitudes and habits)” (2 Cor. 7:10).
– Ken Sande
Reflection Questions
- Think of the last time you confessed a wrong to someone. Did you tell them how you planned to change in the future to avoid repeating that wrong? Did you ask God to help you carry out that plan? Have you actually done anything to really change?
- If not, you can still do so today. It will take a lot of humility to revisit that issue, but it could also change your life and that relationship. Go back to that person and give a more genuine and meaningful confession. Tell him specifically how you are asking God to help you to change the attitudes and habits that hurt him … and then ask him to let you know if they don’t see you following through on your plan.
- As long as you’re at it, review the Seven A’s of Confession [1] and make sure you’ve covered any elements that you didn’t address before.
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© 2016 Ken Sande
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