The fifth phrase in the Lord's Prayer prompts us to seek our own forgiveness with the first phrase, 'forgive us our debts.' It is important to note that our salvation and acceptance before God is not dependent on our ability to recall and confess all our failures so that they can be forgiven. Certainly, without an initial confession and repentance before God we would never find His salvation; however, post salvation, once we are made part of His family and given a new life, confession remains an important practice for our spiritual health. For two reasons:
First, confession is a constant reminder of our failures and dependence on God. If we live with the imagination that we are perfect we will be deceived into thinking, more and more, that we need God less and less. Confession is a constant reminder to ourselves that we are entirely dependent on God's forgiveness.
Second, confession maintains a posture of humility before others. Such humility is needed when it comes to being ready to forgive those who have wronged us (the next part of this fifth phrase in the Lord's Prayer). We will struggle to offer such forgiveness for as long as we assume a 'better than thou' attitude. Confession, and rehearsing our forgiveness, pulls us back down to the same fallen field as everyone else. Dietrich Bonhoeffer hints at the dangers of a failed humility, blinded to their own sins.
First, confession is a constant reminder of our failures and dependence on God. If we live with the imagination that we are perfect we will be deceived into thinking, more and more, that we need God less and less. Confession is a constant reminder to ourselves that we are entirely dependent on God's forgiveness.
Second, confession maintains a posture of humility before others. Such humility is needed when it comes to being ready to forgive those who have wronged us (the next part of this fifth phrase in the Lord's Prayer). We will struggle to offer such forgiveness for as long as we assume a 'better than thou' attitude. Confession, and rehearsing our forgiveness, pulls us back down to the same fallen field as everyone else. Dietrich Bonhoeffer hints at the dangers of a failed humility, blinded to their own sins.
“For the pious community permits no one to be a sinner. Hence all have to conceal their sins from themselves and from the community. We are not allowed to be sinners. Many Christians would be unimaginable horrified if a real sinner were suddenly to turn up among the pious. So we remain alone with our sin, trapped in lies and hypocrisy, for we are in fact sinners."
Elsewhere Bonhoeffer suggests:
“Confession is the most profound kind of humiliation. It hurts, makes one feel small; it deals a terrible blow to one's pride."
We need the kind of humility confession fosters before both God and others.
Of course, such confession is not easy...that will be tomorrow's devotion.
Of course, such confession is not easy...that will be tomorrow's devotion.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- What does this fifth phrase in the Lord's Prayer have to do with confession?
- How do you feel about confession?
- How might you prayerfully practice confession just now?
The quotes from Bonhoeffer are taken from his excellent book, Life Together.