Is there any greater wound inflicted upon the human heart than that of the jagged knife of rejection?

No wonder most of us spend our lives amassing armor against it. We learn a thousand little techniques for soul survival. These work for a time, perhaps. But in time what shields us from sorrow also shields us from joy. 

Confession, this month’s focus, is the antidote for rejection.

Not that confession is easy. It is a frightful thing to shed self-pity and self-justification and stand naked and without excuse before the Father who sees all. The journey home from the distant country of do-it-ourselves takes humility and courage. Upon arrival, our confession of ​“I am no longer worthy to be called your son,” is met with a ring and robe and a feast. Such lavish love is almost too much to bear.

Through the cross of Christ we experience, as Richard Foster writes, ​“both forgiveness and healing for the sins and sorrows of the past.” Should our conscience not be quieted in private confession, our trusted brother or sister has the authority given by Christ to receive our confession and speak the liberating words, ​“your sins are forgiven.” Hallelujah.