But an authentic relationship with Christ also takes us into the depths — the shadows, the strongholds and the darkness deep within our own souls that must be purged. Surrendering to this inward and downward journey is difficult and painful.

We numb our pain through denial, blaming, rationalizations, addictions, and avoidance.

the Christian life requires a continual turning away from sin. But it also requires constant faith, for the Christian daily looks to Christ for loving care. The penitent believer never stops trusting in the saving power of the crucified and risen Saviour.

I rejected the church for a time because I found so little grace there. I returned because I found grace nowhere else.

I will speak that I may find relief; for there is a redemptive quality for an agitated mind in the spoken word, and a tormented soul finds peace in confessing.

I haven't been faithful to my own advice in the past. I will in the future.

All faults may be forgiven of him who has perfect candor.

To confess a fault freely is the next thing to being innocent of it.

For a Christian to be a Christian, he must first be a sinner. Being a sinner is a prerequisite for being a church member. The Christian church is one of the few organizations in the world that requires a public acknowledgement of sin as a condition for membership.

Jesus could wash away your sins—but it is the only hope you have. Accept this offer now. Confess your sins to God. Thank Him for sending His Son. Transfer the trust you have in your good works to what Jesus did for you on the cross. Doing this will result in a pardon of all your sins. When the widow did what Elijah said to do, all he promised came to pass. It will with you, too, when you affirm this Gospel.

Forgiveness is worthless to us emotionally if we can't forgive ourselves.

We all have our secrets. We all have our vulnerabilities.