The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Small Groups

Why not (make open confession of your personal sins before a group of people)? Because there is no biblical mandate nor principle to be found that would enjoin nor even encourage such a practice of people mutually confessing their private sins to one another. Confession of private, personal sins are to be done unto God. (Ps 32:3-6; Prov 28:13; 1Jh 1:9) What Scripture does teach is that when someone sins against another the one who is guilty of that sin needs to confess that sin to the one it has been committed. (Lk 17:3,4; Ja 5:15,16) And/or if one has been sinned against, then if the guilty party does not confess that sin and seek forgiveness then the innocent party is to confront the individual with that sin with the explicit purpose of desiring the person's repentance so as forgiveness and reconciliation can be achieved. (Matt 5:23,24; 18:15-17)

If someone commits a sin against a group, then it is to the group that confession is to be made. If a sin is done against the Church, then it is to the church that confession is to be made. But nowhere is it taught that private or personal sins are to be indiscriminately confessed publicly.

It may be that there is a close friend to whom one may confide in concerning certain sins that are being wrestled with for the purpose of asking for help, wisdom, counsel and prayer. But one is to exercise due care and wisdom in such things.

Can you provide biblical support that teaches otherwise? IF you are of the opinion that it does.