Question: Dear sir: I have noticed that people do not confess their sins publicly as they once did. What is your explanation?

Answer: In our society, it seems that the attitude of "what I do is my own business and no one else’s" is becoming more and more prominent even among Christians. Add to that the fact that Christians often fail to exhibit the sympathy and willingness to forgive that ought to characterize us. While confession is no substitute for repentance, it is essential (James 5:16; 1 John 1:9) and very beneficial. If one’s sins are known only to the person and to God, then private confession is sufficient. However, if our sinful behavior is known to and affects others, we must be willing to acknowledge it to them. The biblical teaching concerning confession of sins emphasizes that there is no forgiveness for sin that is not acknowledged, and real healing cannot occur until one faces and admits one’s sins. We all must strive to be so sympathetic and willing to forgive as to cultivate an atmosphere of trust conducive to confession of sin.