To One Another

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. -James 5:16a

What could be more contrary to the ways of the world?

The world and your own flesh would have you trying to hide your sins, first from others, and then from yourself.

From this it is manifestly important to have an understanding of what is sin, and what is not. How are you going to know that? By hearing what God has to say of it, beginning with what is commonly called the Decalogue. The Ten Commandments.

Once you know, to whom are you going to speak? Here we are enjoined - that is those who belong to the body of Christ - to speak out to one another.

This appears to be anything but good news, does it not? What could be more negative than speaking and hearing of one another's transgressions, whether they be against God or against neighbor?

But this is not an exercise in psychology. It is the practice of speaking the truth in love, because there is a basis in truth for speaking forthrightly of wrongs committed, and of lavishing forgiveness upon the transgressor.

These things are actually what comprise life in the Church, the body of Christ, namely speaking what is true in every respect.

There is healing in the truth, because Christ, Who is Truth, suffered in His body in order to take away sin. Not just feelings of sin, but actual sin, along with its consequence of death.

Heed this admonishment and encouragement from James. Do not hesitate to speak to your brothers and sisters in the Faith where you have fallen short, because they will pray for you, and you will be healed not only of guilt, but of death itself.
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