Protestants: Do you confess your sins to one another?

[Ginger2]

I think there is an aspect to confessing that is often overlooked.

I fairly often share my sins with people who can benefit from knowing they are not alone. That we are all imperfect and that God can forgive anything.

Some people feel unworthy, and so they don’t turn to God - but away. By sharing ours sins with them we can help them to see that none of us is worthy and that is exactly why we so desperately need God.

On the other-hand, you must be careful because some people will over-come their feelings of unworthyness and begin to feel self-righteous in their sin, because you are no better then they are.

It’s a matter of discerning the spirits.

 

[po18guy]

It’s not an either/or question, first God knows your heart! second for OUR benefit scripture encourages openly confessing sins to one another.

Each Catholic mass is opened with an examination of conscience and a penitential rite in which we publicly confess our sins. However, this in no way completes God’s mercy. Only Christ, or His appointed servant, can accomplish that. Christ empowered the Apostles with authority over sin. Unless we confess to His servant, how else can a particular sin be “loosed”? And what about those sins that are supposed to be retained? How else can a suitable penance be established, how else can spiritual direction be aimed at the particular sin? How else can you be assured that your confession will not cross town-or the planet-overnight (the seal of the confession remains inviolate)? How else can we know the moment of God’s Grace-except at the point of absolution? Trust in the Word, brothers and sisters. It was written that way for a reason.

May Christ’s peace always be with you.

 

[Kitty_Chan]

So the next question is, do you confess your sins to one another or do you go straight to God? Or neither?

Confess directly to God first. Then depending on the outcome, then to whoever next. Shall I be brave and say whatever He tells me to do…

 

[MarcoPolo]

Confess directly to God first. Then depending on the outcome, then to whoever next. Shall I be brave and say whatever He tells me to do…

Can you give me an example of “whoever next”? You mean like against the person who was wronged? What if it was a so-called victimless sin…like gluttony or lustful thoughts or something.

 

[tiemry]

Can you give me an example of “whoever next”? You mean like against the person who was wronged? What if it was a so-called victimless sin…like gluttony or lustful thoughts or something.

Depending on your sin, such as a hurtful lie, stealing or anger towards another, you should, confess to the person, people or group you wronged if possible. A victimless sin like say lustful thoughts about your neighbors wife, providing it never went further, for example, are better left unsaid. Better to ask for God’s help in overcoming this.

 

[Kitty_Chan]

MarcoPolo Tiemry et el

yes a example would be for a next step after confessing to God would be to start a healing by speaking as Tiemry stated below.

Depending on your sin, such as a hurtful lie, stealing or anger towards another, you should, confess to the person, people or group you wronged if possible.

I would add, if it was complicated you could seek counsel from a Pastor, spiritual friend or someone as well, before approaching someone you wronged.

A victimless sin like say lustful thoughts about your neighbors wife, providing it never went further, for example, are better left unsaid. Better to ask for God’s help in overcoming this.

Yes, that could be a example, being a girl its a odd example. But I could be thinking the neighbours wife is too beautiful and make assumptions about her.

Asking God if you handled the situation correct in that case would be a good start.

I would add when you see that youre not improving in a area then you have to realise you are not being honest and seek someone to speak to about it.

Are those what you are after Marco or is it something else?

 

[MarcoPolo]

Depending on your sin, such as a hurtful lie, stealing or anger towards another, you should, confess to the person, people or group you wronged if possible. A victimless sin like say lustful thoughts about your neighbors wife, providing it never went further, for example, are better left unsaid. Better to ask for God’s help in overcoming this.

Are those what you are after Marco or is it something else?

Oh by all means those are good answers! I am happy to hear the sense of seeking atonment from you guys!

 

[Kitty_Chan]

Oh by all means those are good answers! I am happy to hear the sense of seeking atonment from you guys!

It shouldnt be any other way

What would be the point of confessing to the Lord if youre not going to do anything about it?

 

[MarcoPolo]

What would be the point of confessing to the Lord if youre not going to do anything about it?

 

[byoby]

In a couple other threads about praying to angels or saints, there were some who do not do this. The reason along these lines: God can handle it, or going “straight” to God is the proper way, and doing otherwise takes away from that.

So the next question is, do you confess your sins to one another or do you go straight to God? Or neither?

I try to confess my sins to those I have sinned against, God and the victim of my sin.

 

[MarcoPolo]

I try to confess my sins to those I have sinned against, God and the victim of my sin.

Hey there. So if your sin was “victimless”, like you were gluttonous or something, then you’d go straight to God?
Thx!

 

[po18guy]

Hey there. So if your sin was “victimless”, like you were gluttonous or something, then you’d go straight to God?
Thx!

God always provides a way for His Divine Grace to be known. Without receiving a contemporary absolution, as Christ specifically gave directly to those He forgave, how do you know that your sin is gone, or when? Catholics receive absolution from the Priest and thereby know the exact moment of God’s Grace. That moment of Grace is amazingly uplifting and reassuring. And, just how do you make up for the damage your sin has done? Sure, your sin may be forgiven, but the damage remains. Say you are careless and break a neighbor’s dish. They forgive you, but the dish is still broken. Should your neighbor have to buy another, even after forgiving you? You must restore or repair the damage done. Penance is our repair and restoration. Just some spritual food for thought.

Christ’s peace be always with you.

 

[byoby]

Hey there. So if your sin was “victimless”, like you were gluttonous or something, then you’d go straight to God?
Thx!

yes, although victim probably was not the best word. I don’t think that God can be a victim. I would go straight to the Father in Jesus name.

Let me restate:
I try to confess my sin to the person or persons I have sinned against and God who I will also have sinned against.

 

[murphdog261]

To all:

What if the sin is more complicated/serious, would you then seek some kind of pastoral advice?

Thank you!

 

[byoby]

To all:

What if the sin is more complicated/serious, would you then seek some kind of pastoral advice?

Thank you!

What sin would be more serious than any sin against God other than denial of God Himself?