There’s more than one kind of confession in the Bible. One confession is to God, where we admit our fault and receive His forgiveness. It’s an essential part of experiencing the grace of God in our imperfect lives.

But there’s another sort of confession that isn’t about forgiveness, and it isn’t made to God. It’s a confession of sin to one another in community. It’s an invitation to be known and prayed for, that we may be HEALED from the injury of our mistakes. We go to God for forgiveness, and we go to one another for healing and renewal in community. Circles are essential for new life.

God’s intention for our circles is to bring about healing and transformation in our lives. As we confess our sins and pray for one another, God works through our relationships to bring healing and restoration. It’s where we know and can be fully known. It’s bringing light and oxygen to our wounds so that they do not fester and grow. But they can be soothed and restored.

Authentic community is a place where God’s love and grace abound. Here we can know and experience the fullness of His presence and power. It’s with these people that we can experience the wonderful power of prayer to renew and sustain a life.