Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much. (James 5:16)

One of the distinct marks of a child is their vulnerability. When they are upset, they cry. When they are hurt, they show it. When they need help, they ask for it. As we get older, showing how we feel does not come as naturally. We learn what is acceptable to the people around us and try to act within those social norms. If we are surrounded by people who don’t talk about feelings, we probably struggle to do it ourselves. If we have only learned from people who strive to be self-sufficient, it will probably be harder for us to ask for help. This level of openness about struggles and shortcomings is not something many of us have seen done well. Yet, as hard as this may be, it is key to growing in faith.

James was writing to Christians and encouraged them in confessing and praying for each other. Confession is more than just a one-time thing when we first follow Jesus, but rather a regular rhythm we are called to practice. It requires returning to a child-like attitude of being open about how we are feeling and asking others to help us and pray for us when we are struggling. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are not people to impress with knowledge but people to journey alongside as we each grow deeper in relationship with one another and with Christ.

• Who are the safe and strong Christians around you whom you could practice confession with? What are some things you need to share with them?
• What has kept you from being vulnerable and honest about your struggles with other Christians? How does this passage speak to that?
• Pray and ask God to help you be honest with yourself about your struggles and help you discern how to share that with others.