Editor's Note

In the Psalms, David cries out to God, "O Lord, cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

Confession.

Why is it so difficult for us when it's so good for us?

For me, sometimes I don't want to confess something, because I know if I confess, then I have to change. And sometimes, I don't want to change. I want to hold on to that negative attitude or unforgiving spirit or sinful behavior. Not always, but there are moments when the transformation God calls me to is way beyond where I'm ready or willing to go.

But God can't work in my life or the lives of others or the church or our world when I cling tightly to those things that keep the distance between God and me. So I confess. I admit how far I am from God's perfect and holy standard.

And in those daily—sometimes hourly!—moments of admission, I find God shows up, arms flung open just like the Father whose prodigal son returned, and he embraces me and fills me with peace and joy and his glory.

And I change.

In confession, we change. And the church changes. And the world transforms. All because we—Christians who are forgiven—step out in faith and confess our desperate need for a Savior.

As Christ-followers, we are the role models for showing others what confession looks like. Because showing our brokenness makes our restoration and wholeness that much more precious and wonderful and enticing.

Will you join me and confess? Will you be exposed for the world to see the true power of forgiveness and freedom? Oh, what amazing things God can do through us, the Church when we do. Imagine the joy of being whiter than snow.

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