Confession: Fueling Compassion for the Lost through Evangelism.

Introduction: The Struggle in Evangelism

Have you ever felt discouraged or even angry when sharing your faith or simply holding to Christian values? Perhaps you’ve faced ridicule, rejection, or outright hostility. It is all too easy for Christians to become bitter or lose compassion for the lost, seeing them as opponents rather than souls in need of rescue. But there is a biblical practice that can restore compassion in our hearts—confession.

The Problem: Hard Hearts in Evangelism

Evangelism is a call to share the life-saving message of the Gospel. Yet when Christians are met with sinful kickback—mockery, rejection, or apathy—our hearts can become hardened. Over time, this can lead to frustration, bitterness, or even contempt for those who remain in sin. We may begin to see the lost as obstacles rather than souls in need of rescue.

Confession: A Path to Restored Compassion

Confession is more than admitting our wrongs. It is a humble reflection on the goodness of the Gospel that saved us and the great depravity of sin that once enslaved us—and still seeks to influence us. When we confess, we are not only acknowledging our struggles but declaring the surpassing greatness of God’s grace.

• Romans 7:21-25 (Believer’s Struggle): Paul’s struggle with sin reminds us that even believers fight against sin, but our hope is in Christ’s deliverance. This is a battle unique to the believer—one whose mind is alive to God even while the flesh remains tempted.
• Romans 8:1-4 (The Victory Through the Spirit): “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Our victory is through the Spirit’s power, not our own strength.
• Ephesians 2:1-5 (The State of the Lost): We remember that we were once dead in sin, following the ways of the world, until God made us alive in Christ.
• Colossians 1:13-14 (Transferred Kingdoms): We have been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of Christ.

Confession Reorients Our Hearts

When we confess our sins, we are reminded of two critical truths:

• The Greatness of the Gospel: We are saved, not because we are better, but because of God’s grace.
• The Depth of Sin’s Depravity: We still struggle with sin, even as believers, and this should humble us. This humility is a direct result of recognizing that without Christ, we too would be blind, lost, and enslaved.
• The Spirit’s Role in Confession: It is the Holy Spirit who convicts us of sin (John 16:8), leading us to confession and repentance.

Compassion Through Confession

This awareness of our own need for grace drives us to compassionate evangelism. We share the Gospel, not to win arguments, but to see lives transformed. We do not compromise the truth, but we share it with a heart that understands the devastating effects of sin.

• 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 (The Blindness of the Lost): The god of this world blinds unbelievers, but God has shone His light in our hearts.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 (Encouragement and Growth): We are called to encourage one another, spurring one another toward love and good deeds.
• Galatians 6:1-2 (Gentle Restoration): We gently restore one another, recognizing that we too are vulnerable to temptation.

Practical Steps for Confession: Before God and with One Another

True confession begins with a humble acknowledgment of sin before God (1 John 1:9), where we receive His forgiveness and cleansing. This vertical confession is the foundation for our relationship with Him.

Yet, confession also has a horizontal dimension, as seen in James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Confessional partnerships bring this into practice—trusted relationships where we regularly confess, pray, and grow.

1. Confess to God Regularly: Acknowledge your sins before God, trusting in His promise of forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
2. Establish a Confessional Partnership: Find one or two mature believers who desire to grow in faith.
3. Confess Regularly and Honestly to One Another: Share your struggles, recognizing that confession is not just listing sins but declaring the Gospel’s power.
4. Pray for One Another: Pray for forgiveness, strength, and a heart of compassion.
5. Spur One Another On: Encourage one another in truth, and strengthen each other for evangelism.

Conclusion: Confession as the Gateway to Compassion

Confession is not just a practice for personal holiness—it is a means of restoring a compassionate heart for the lost. As we confess our sins, we are reminded of the Gospel’s power to save, the darkness of sin’s deception, and the desperate need of those who are still blind. This humility drives us to share the Gospel—not with contempt, but with the same grace that rescued us.

Let us be a people who confess regularly, who remember our need for grace, and who are moved with compassion to bring the light of Christ to those still in darkness.

Take Action: Seek a trusted confessional partnership today. Begin practicing confession with a humble heart—both before God and with one another—and allow compassion for the lost to be rekindled in you.