LEARNING DAILY

James 5:16, Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

James finishes his writing by emphasizing the importance of prayer. It is a reminder that even though a person believes in Jesus Christ as their Savior, and walks on the narrow way, he still sins. Sometimes we sin against another Believer; when that happens, it is important to confess the sin and ask for forgiveness. There are also times when the need to confess your sin to another is needed for accountability. When James wrote to confess sins and shortcomings to another, he did not mean a Believer should go from one person to another telling them all the details of every wrong they commit or think about. Those times a Believer sins against God, he needs to go to Him, in prayer and in private to ask Him for forgiveness. There are those sins that no one else needs to know about.

There is another aspect of this that is important for every believer to know and understand. You are not meant to walk this narrow way alone. Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ walks with you. However, each of us need that person we can go to who we can confide in knowing that what is shared is not going to be told to others or be plastered all over social media. It certainly may require a vulnerability on your part by telling another about your need for them to listen without being judgmental. However, this is an opportunity for healing; confession is good for the soul wrote James, especially if the confession is something you have against the person you are talking to. This is also an opportunity for someone to join you in prayer. Seek out that Believer who is mature in the faith and who will provide you with spiritual and practical support.

Now to the one who is asked for this help. Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” I know this states one “caught in any transgression.” Might this be applied to one who comes to you as a spiritually mature Believer. Coming to you for help is an indication of their trust in you to listen, without condemnation; instead, humbly listen and pray with them over this need. This is not about you, but about helping and supporting the person who has come to you. The person has come to you to listen, pray with him/her to be restored to be able to function in his/her role in the body of Christ.

Praying one for another is a way to break up the power of secret sin. Covering up sin does no good; it only brings negative consequences. “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” (Psalm 32:3-5). David tried to cover his sin. It caused him grief. Only after he confessed his sin did forgiveness come. This sort of confession needs to be done carefully, and one who will handle the truth appropriately.

We live in a world that is characterized by individualism and self-reliance. James is writing about the importance of the community [of Believers] and the support we need from others who are spiritually mature. He is writing about the importance and the need to move beyond self-centered prayer and encouraging Believers to lean on other Believers; I believe that might be critical in the days we are living in! Prayer is certainly necessary for change and blessings in each of our lives.

1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”