Healing for the Soul

There’s a story about four pastors who met for a friendly gathering. During the conversation, one pastor remarked, “Our people come to us and pour out their hearts. They confess their sins and share their needs. We should do the same for each other. After all, confession is good for the soul.” In time, all four agreed. One of them said that he had a problem with losing his temper at home. The second confessed to enjoying drinking a little too much. The third admitted to loving golf so much that he would sometimes fake being sick so he could play during the week. When it came to the fourth pastor, he wouldn’t confess. The others pressed him saying, “Come on now, we confessed ours. What is your secret vice?” Finally, he answered, “It’s gossiping. And I can’t wait to get out of here!”

Confession is indeed good for the soul. However, unlike the fourth pastor, confession should lead to repentance – to change. It is important to apologize for wrongdoing and to make amends when possible. That’s a start. But true healing of the soul comes only when we begin to live differently.

Psalm 103 reminds us, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us.” In Jesus Christ there is forgiveness. There is also in Christ the courage and strength to live differently. Thanks be to God!

Our prayer today comes from Psalm 51. Let us pray: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Create in me a pure heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Amen.