So,

One of the hardest things to do in my christian life has been to confess something or contront someone. They both involve a broken heart because you are either hurting over what you did or you are grieving for the person in the wrong, praying they will recieve a word from the Lord.

I love what 1 Thess 5:14 says

"And we urge you brothers,

warn those who are idle,

encourage the timid,

help the weak,

be patient with everyone."

Amen. did you catch the first part? "....we urge you brothers..." this is encouraged. This is encouraged to believers...brothers. If our brother in the Lord or sister for that matter is idle, timid or weak....then these are your guidelines. This is a word from the Lord to us all. This is HIS direction for us...those of us we call Jesus the lover of our souls.

Like I said I have been in both scenarios: confessing sin and confronting it. I remember one time I had to confess something to someone that I thought might get me in HUGE trouble. I mean...with the law. I struggled over this, sweat a lot, cried and became sick over it. It consumed me...it did not get better when I did confess it. The person I went to first was infuriated with me casting looks of distane and condecention finally throwing me out of their house only to leave me with these parting words..."someone will be calling you later tonight about this then we'll see if charges will be pressed". *sigh* The memory of this event brings some of the emotion I felt. It took great courage for me to step up and admit what I had done...I was embarrassed and felt incredibly stupid too. So, I went home and waited for the call. It was agonizing torture. I remember sitting on my bed staring at the phone feeling the need to vomit and the panic in my head and heart overtook me. The encouragement from my family and my friends did not help me really.....I could only think about the reaction I was met with....that was all that mattered to me. The call came. I explained what I did and it was brushed aside as an inocent mistake and left at that. It was over in 2 minutes.

So, my point? For the confessor: Jesus loves YOU....in fact He is quite taken with you and has already won the battle you are facing. The part you have to do is talk about that thing...whatever it was, admit that you were wrong but this cannot be done until your heart is broken. Lot's of verses in the Bible tell us about being broken....and guess what? It's a good thing. :) So, when you are broken over what you did...then go and confess. Have people you know will love you no matter what support you in prayer and be there for a hug...but know that Jesus has been with you....even when you did this....and He's still crazy about you.

For the confronter. Listen. I know that sounds wierd b/c you are doing the talking....but really there shouldn't be a lot of talking you are doing. There should be more listening. Yes, you are telling your friend the concern you have however true repentence isn't brought by banging down the door of someones heart...Jesus didn't do that to you. :) LOVE that person. When they did that thing they were weak at that point...they gave into a lie that took them down the road to that sin. That is the sad part....we have all fallen! We all listen to lies and give in. YOU are no different than your friend. LOVE them as Jesus does...think about what that really means. Pray about it A LOT lest you become their "judge". Jesus is finished judging and offers forgiveness and so should you through your actions and words and dare I say your feelings. God will bring healing when your are willing to let Him in to do that.

Just had to say all this. I am so thankfull for a forgiving, kindhearted husband who knows ALL my failures and still loves me but moreso the lover of my soul has promised to never leave me or foresake me. I've proven Him faithful. Live your life in the love of Jesus and you will see His joy reside in everything you do.

I love you all!

Mrs. M.