Confessions From a Homecoming Queen

Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16

My mind jolted as I recognized the voice at the end of the phone. Wasn’t this a girl from college I shunned, asking me to attend a celebration as a former homecoming queen? Years ago, didn’t she have an abortion?

Right then, conviction pierced my heart.

In college, my Christianity felt like a Pharisee. Then, I lacked compassion for anyone who made mistakes. Now, my heart wept thinking I had judged her. I sensed God wanted me to mend this broken relationship so I accepted the invitation with dread, but prayed for an opportunity to speak with her.

During the weeks before the event, I reflected on how my rule-keeping separated me from loving others. Through failures as a pastor’s wife and missionary overseas, my superior attitude came tumbling down. In time, God showed me through my failures, I needed His forgiveness.

I acknowledged I wasn’t better than others.

Finally at the homecoming soccer game, my heart pounded as I spotted my friend sitting on a bench. Sliding in next to her, I confessed my judgmental attitude and asked for forgiveness. My eyes filled with tears. This former classmate expressed she had felt hurt and judged by Christians when she struggled and needed a friend. However, she forgave me. God brought healing to both of our hearts that homecoming day. Afterward, a sweet spirit of love and connection refreshed our relationship.

God doesn’t place a time limit on confession or forgiveness.

Isaiah 53:5 says, “By His wounds we are healed.” Do you have a relationship that needs healing? How would you prepare your heart for confession?

Lord, you took my sin away by your death. Thank you for washing me. Lead me to whom I can offer forgiveness. Show me whom I need to forgive someone who has wronged me.