Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
The letter James wrote to the early persecuted Church was filled with practical instruction. The believers needed to be encouraged and he consistently points to what faith looks like lived out.
Confession is an act of humility. It reminds me of my frailty and allows me to reflect on how I erred. By confessing to you, I am also made vulnerable which, in a healthy environment, allows for accountability, healing and forgiveness. It also opens the door to invite you to admit your failings as well. If I have wronged you, it is important to confess before God, but He also calls us to confess to each other. When both happen, God not only forgives me, but He heals His Body as well.
We are also to pray for one another. There are people I find it easy to pray for – people on my heart, who have great need or are just close to me. But there are those who are difficult to pray for. I need to hear James’ reminder to pray for those I disagree with and those who have hurt me. It is those prayers that God will use to bring healing in the Church.
The recipients of this letter lived in difficult times. They needed to be bonded together, united within to withstand the hardships coming from outside their community. The Church that does what it says it believes; loves one another by being willing to confess to and pray for one another, will be united in the Spirit. And His Name will be glorified.
Lord, let humility and grace abound in Your Church today. May we be reminded daily of our dependence on You alone and together be a picture to the world of Your reconciling work and sacrificial love.
