Confession, or self-examination, is one of many spiritual practices present across many traditions, including Christianity, that we should try to implement in our lives. Christians, of course, have good reason to engage in this practice on a regular basis. Confessing to other followers of Jesus can bring healing (James 5:16). When we confess and renounce our sins, we find mercy (Proverbs 28:13). Confession also brings forgiveness, and purification (1 John 1:9). Confession can also help us become more like Christ, to become the people God wants us to be. It can bring transformation.
Many advocates of confession (and self-examination) think that we should make it a daily habit. In the morning, the aim is to think and pray through all that you must do in the day to come, with a focus on the responsibilities and obligations that you have on that day. The evening examination is meant to review the day. During this end-of-day review, one might pose several questions. Seneca, the Roman philosopher, asked himself:
- “What bad habit did I cure today?”
- “What temptation did I resist?”
- “In what specific way am I better than I was yesterday?”
These are good questions for followers of Jesus, too. We might also ask ourselves what virtues we exemplified: courage, honesty, compassion, or humility? Did I treat others with love? Was I gracious to myself and others? Why or why not? When we fall short, we confess that to God. This kind of exercise can be very helpful. I’ve found that being more aware of my own failures can help me extend grace more easily to others. And it is humbling, to be sure.
We must avoid morbid introspection or unwarranted guilt, but if we make becoming a better person one of our primary goals in life, becoming “a little Christ” as C.S. Lewis memorably put it, the practice of confession and self-examination can help us make progress. It really is essential to our transformation in Christ. If you want to read more about the practice of confession, I suggest the chapter devoted to this topic in the classic book, Celebration of Discipline.
Many of us have a strange and unique opportunity for this kind of thing now. We can pray for those serving on the front lines during this pandemic. We can help out as we are able. But we can also attend to what is going on in our souls, and through confession seek and experience a deeper union with Christ. This will enable us to love others well, both in our homes and, once we can emerge, also in our communities and around the world.
