The consideration of the practice of Individual Confession continues this week. Lately I have been discussing potential obstacles that make it difficult to take advantage of the opportunity. So far we have touched on unfamiliarity and the fear of being exposed. This week I want to touch on another difficulty, and that is the matter of privacy.

One of the difficulties in taking advantage of “Individual Confession and Absolution” is the whole matter of self-disclosure. The guilt and shame associated with a sin is hard enough to deal with alone. But it is a whole new level to stand naked and exposed before others. We say to ourselves, “What will they think when they find out what I am really like?” And this holds no less true when it comes to the Pastor. “What will he think of me now?”

As was suggested last week, Private Confession allows for the declaration of the gift of forgiveness up close and personal. And just so, it can be more encouraging and reassuring in overcoming doubts so that we can cling to our Lord’s promise of mercy.

This week we segue from the consideration of Confession and Absolution declared by the Pastor in our corporate gathering for worship, to the same declaration of forgiveness in Private Confession.