Fields United Methodist Church

Thoughts Along the Way

Pastor Tom Joyce

February 28, 2022

“If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

I John 1:9

When asked what God expects from people, the prophet Micah responded, “to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) Confession is about humbly walking with God, acknowledging that we sometimes stray off the sidewalk of life into sin, which is nothing more than inward focusing without regard for God and neighbor. To confess who we are opens up the opportunity to living life transformed by grace and the power of God through the Holy Spirit. Many years ago, I bought my first pair of poorly fitting hiking boots that were heavy, bulky and confining. One of the greatest feelings was taking my boots off after a long walk through the woods; it was a feeling of release and freedom from the confines of the heavy weights that were laced to my feet. Confession is like taking off heavy, ill-fitting boots after a long day; it frees a person from the burden of the weight caused by strapping on things that eventually need to be removed to fully enjoy the freedom that God has intended for each of us. All the bottled up resentment, anger, not to mention trying to be right no matter how wrong we are does nothing to strengthen our relationship with God, let alone with each other.  Repentance is confessing that we have strayed away from God and then turning back to the One “who did not come into the world to condemn the world but in order that world may be saved through him.” (John 3:17) Accept the freedom of the forgiveness of God and celebrate the newness of life that is faith in Jesus.