"... Work out your salvation with fear and trembling." To me, confession is a perfect example of this verse. As I sat trembling in the pew, awaiting my turn for inside the booth, I was nervous, embarassed, but most of all hopeful for the reconcilliation and the knowledge that all was "right" between God and I again.
Now, I am not saying God requires a trip to the confession booth for forgiveness from sin. I do not claim to understand the mercy of God. But, like all other sacraments, confession is truly a gift from God to us.
There is something humbling about taking the time out of your day, standing in a line, going in a booth and kneeling, and having to say out loud what you would really rather forget that really humbles you before God. It's a much different experience than saying a quick "Jesus forgive me of my sins" after you lie down in bed, directly before you enter dreamland.
But with that difficulty comes a tremendous blessing. Hearing the Father say "For these and all other sins, you are forgiven." How powerful. Just to hear from some other person, God truly hears your remorse and forgives you.
God bless you, however you decide to come back to him.
-Mallory
