“In confession the breakthrough to community takes place….If a Christian is in the fellowship of confession with a brother, he will never be alone again, anywhere.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Some relationships are superficial. We talk about the weather. We complain about politicians. We question the opinion leaders. We brag about our favorite teams. But we never get beneath the surface to matters of the heart.
Other relationships begin as superficial — we talk, complain, question, and brag–but grow into deeper relationships where matters of the heart can be safely disclosed.
So how do we transition from superficial relationships to spiritual-community relationships? In addition to talking, complaining, questioning, and bragging, we confess.
Confession often provides the breakthrough needed to take a relationship deeper. When we finally take the risk to open up our hearts and divulge our fears and failures, our secrets and sins, we often discover a safe haven where we can share true fellowship.
Will we settle for superficial, surface relationships?
Will we take the risk to confess?
High risk? Yes, of course.
High reward? Yes. You really have to experience the fellowship of confession to appreciate the security resulting from a breakthrough to community.