S) "16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."
James 5:16 (NASB)
O) For a long time, I saw this verse used in Pentecostal churches as an instruction on faith and physical healing. Unfortunately, I have also heard this verse abused, when a person was not healed and then accused of having secret sins that they needed to confess. Certainly, in the verses prior to this one (vv.14-15), there are indications that the sickness mentioned is physical. And, there is a link between healing and forgiveness. However, in the prior verses, the order is reversed from the verse above. Earlier, the order is:
Prayer>Anointing>Prayer>Healing>Forgiveness.
There is no mention of confession at all. Forgiveness follows healing (similar to examples like Matthew 9:1-7). But, in the above verse, there is a change in order and instruction. In the above verse, the order is:
Confession>Prayer>Healing
It is notable that the above verse starts with the word, "Therefore," so there is certainly reference backward, to previous verses. I think James makes it clear that praying for physical healing is something we should do. However, I do not necessarily think that confession and physical healing are linked. After all, there are myriad examples of God healing people who have not apparently confessed sins. It would seem, then, that James is referring back to something else regarding confession. Throughout his whole letter, he admonishes the church about a number of sins. He is very clear on the need for right actions, right attitudes, pairing faith with good works, keeping speech clean, etc. However, the only place where he really says anything about confession, is in the above verse. A few verses later, there is a reference to repentance (vv.19-20), but that's it. On the other hand, if we consider the other biblical implications of sickness and death being spiritual (see Psalm 41:4 and Ephesians 2:1-7), and healing and resurrection being spiritual, and the role that confession and repentance plays with that restoration and regeneration, then we can read the above verse and see a very direct link between confession and healing.
A) For a long time, I resisted the idea of confessing sins to other people. I think that may have come from a misguided dislike for catholic mandates (i.e., the command to confess sins to a priest, who then tells you what rites must be performed). However, as God has matured me, I have come to better understand the important role that confession plays, in particular when it comes to accountability, bondage to sins, and the healing and regeneration that must take place in the heart. Certainly, God can heal me and free me from a particular proneness to sins, divinely, without any interactions with other people. However, that certainly seems to be the rarity. What is much more common is that God takes us through a process of growth and maturity. When I find myself sinning frequently, especially when I am struggling with the same sin over and over, in a short period, it becomes clear rather quickly that I am not making progress on my own. This tends to be because of a deep-seated brokenness of some kind. That should then be the aim of my prayers. That is where the prayers of others becomes invaluable. When I have had a physical need of some kind, I did not hesitate to ask for prayer from other men that I know, trust, and respect. When I have had a spiritual request, like the salvation of family members, nothing stops me from seeking prayer from others. So, why would I ever hesitate to ask for prayer about sins I find myself committing? That makes no sense, except where shame, pride, and the enemy are manipulating me. Understanding that this verse isn't (only) about physical healing, makes it clear that confessing sins to my brothers is absolutely vital to my freedom and spiritual health and growth. Despite really knowing this for several years, I haven't always believed it (i.e., I haven't always done it). More recently, I have made particular efforts to confess my sins, though, and seek prayer and spiritual healing. Though it has borne fruit, it remains difficult because it has not been a regular practice for me, through most of my Christian life. However, I know that it will become easier and easier (as with all spiritual disciplines) the more I do this on a regular basis.
P) Father, Your grace being what it is, I know that I don't earn anything. There are no transactions in our relationship. I was spiritually dead and You resurrected me. I was spiritually sick and You healed me. I know that I'm not made perfect, yet. I am in the process of sanctification. I also have come to learn the importance of confessing my sins to my brothers. Even still, it is hard sometimes, God. I ask that Your grace would continue to propel me to a life of obedience and growth, though. Help me to build on the discipline I have received, to be quicker to confess my sins and seek prayer and spiritual healing. Let me also be sensitive to the prayer needs of others, whether those needs are physical or spiritual in nature. In Your grace, You have given us a rich way of life, if only we would walk in it. Help me to recognize Your ways as better, Lord. I know Your ways are good. Don't let me be deceived, scared, or ashamed. Thank You for the grace I continue to find in You. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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