Confession helps me see myself properly. It is easy for me to see the faults and sins of others. But I have an uncanny ability to excuse and justify my own wrong-doing.
Without Confession, I am prone to lie to myself about my sin. The trouble is that belittling my sin also belittles the Cross.
Oswald Chambers wrote: "The only basis on which God can forgive us is the tremendous tragedy of the Cross of Christ…Forgiveness, which is so easy for us to accept, cost the agony at Calvary."
God's forgiveness of my sins enables me to forgive others. I love much because I have been forgiven much.
And yet, forgiveness does not preclude consequences. Doesn't a good conscience seek penance? I am grateful for penance because it provides a way for me to demonstrate contrition to God and reparation to those whom I have hurt.
Sometimes I am tempted to believe the lie that "as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else, it's OK." I would like to believe that I am an island, that my actions do not affect others. However, this kind of thinking ignores and belittles what my sin cost God.
There is no such thing as consequence-free sin. To sin with impunity is to trample the Cross.
This is why Confession–regular Confession–keeps me honest. It aids me in remembering that God's heart was broken in grief. For my sin.
Oswald Chambers notes that God's conscience was satisfied at the Cross. And I know that my conscience is satisfied at Confession.
Yes, Confession is humiliating–but only insofar as I am unwilling to admit wrongdoing. Am I so proud that I imagine myself as not needing the forgiveness of God? Am I the one human being who does not need to be restored to a right relationship with God?
And anyway, the necessary humiliation of Confession is nothing in comparison to the humiliation of the Cross.
When I see the sins of my spouse or children, I should not become surprised or angry. But perhaps only be surprised that I do not see my own failures as clearly. My very reluctance to confess ought to illuminate my hypocrisy.
God's forgiveness cost the agony of Calvary. Remembering that truth motivates me to keep short accounts with God.
It's the least I can do to repay the debt of love I owe Him.
