I was saved at 13. For two reasons, the book of James was the first book of the Bible I read in one sitting. Mainly because it was short, but it also seemed more practical and straightforward for a rule-following girl like me. There are over 50 commands in James’ 108 verses! Since none of us appreciate being singled out for our mistakes, I stuck to the rules as best I could. Over 50 years later, I’ve realized the profound spiritual insights found in those 108 verses.
One of my most life-changing revelations has been in the area of prayer. Prayer, meditating on Scripture, and joyful worship pave the quickest avenue to God’s presence. Meditating on Scripture grows my teacher’s heart. Worshipping through song thrills my soul. Yet, even though I understand the power of prayer and know God loves to hear His children’s voices, prayer seems to be my weakest area. I enjoy listening to Him talk more than talking to Him, and that’s not always good. Some of us need help getting things out so that they can be dealt with.
Since my prayer life needed strengthening, I joined our Prayer Team at church. We have more than one service on Sunday mornings, so we serve in one and worship in another. Our purpose includes praying for leaders, teachers, and other team members while they help create an environment that ushers in the Holy Spirit. We pray that those attending the service, from the youngest to the oldest, will allow the Spirit to develop or deepen their relationship with God. Around ten of us gather in a quiet space, praying out loud one at a time. Listening to other people pray uplifted and encouraged me to return to the words of James for help with this question: If I’m asking God for help, why should I bother anyone else with my troubles?
James came through with the answer! “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)
When we confess our sins to people we’ve hurt and ask for their forgiveness, relationships have a better chance of surviving and thriving. When we pray together, God can heal both parties. Confessing any sin to someone we trust and who loves us helps us get back on the right track and stay there.
Also, confessing our fears, doubts, or negative thoughts to a spouse or friend can alleviate our anxiety and help them understand us better. Paul said, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) Sharing powerfully strengthens the relationship bond.
Healthy relationships promote a spirit of unity. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to “agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10b) How can we know whether or not we agree if we don’t ever say anything? How can we be united in mind and thought if we don’t know each others’ thoughts? Yes, we are all to have the mind of Christ, but sometimes, we need a hand to hold while getting there.
I don’t know about you, but I tend to keep too much inside. (That may shock some of you!) I would much rather others share with me than me share with them. However, I’m finally beginning to see that most things that scare me are not as scary once I throw them out into the light of day. When in doubt, spit it out! Those who love you won’t be bothered by a little spit.
We shouldn’t tell everything to everyone, but we should tell someone. Those who love you will not be bothered when you share your heart and mind. Being intentional about our relationships is vital to the health of families, friendships, and churches. (By the way, small groups at church make great friend-finding places.) We can avoid unhealthy thoughts, negative emotions, and the need to repair relationships by taking James’ practical and straightforward advice, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
