In The Twelve Steps to Victory™ column, we’re reframing the traditional 12 Steps with a focus on victory vs continually looking back at our missteps and failures. Each Step aligns with the months on the yearly calendar. This series publishes on the first Friday of each month in 2025.
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs, knowing that confession is key to finding victory. — Step Five
Key Verse
“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” — James 5:16
Introduction
Step Five is a pivotal moment in our journey to victory. It calls us to move beyond silent acknowledgment of our sins and to confess them openly—to God, to ourselves, and to a trusted person. This act of confession, though daunting, is the gateway to healing and freedom. Many of us carry the burden of shame, guilt, or fear, but Scripture reminds us that confession leads to renewal and a fresh start.
Why Is This Step Important?
Holding on to unconfessed sin or past failures can create a heavy burden, keeping us from walking in true freedom.
CONFESSION:
- Releases us from hidden shame that keeps us spiritually stuck.
- Breaks the cycle of secrecy and allows us to embrace God’s grace fully.
- Opens the door for accountability and healing, as we invite trusted individuals to walk with us in restoration.
The enemy thrives in darkness, but confession brings our struggles into the light of God’s truth, where they lose their power over us.
Practical Application
- Confess to God First – Take time in prayer to lay everything before God. He already knows, but verbalizing our struggles and sins helps us experience His forgiveness in a tangible way.
- Be Honest with Yourself – Journaling can be a powerful way to process what needs to be confessed and recognize patterns of behavior that need God’s healing.
- Find a Trusted Confidant – Choose someone who is spiritually mature, such as a mentor, pastor, or close friend, to whom you can confess. Their encouragement and prayers will help you walk in freedom.
- Speak God’s Truth Over Yourself – Replace shame with God’s promises of grace. Meditate on Scriptures that affirm His love and redemption, like Romans 8:1 (“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”).
Illustration
David’s heartfelt confession in Psalm 51 after his sin with Bathsheba is a powerful example of Step Five in action. He didn’t just acknowledge his sin—he confessed it to God with a heart seeking renewal. God, in His mercy, restored David, just as He promises to restore us when we humbly confess.
Discussion Question
What holds you back from confessing your struggles to God or a trusted person? How might confession bring healing and freedom in your life?
Application Challenge
This week, commit to confessing one struggle or past mistake to God in prayer. If you feel led, find a trusted accountability partner and share what’s on your heart. Pay attention to how confession lightens your burden and brings peace.
Conclusion
Confession isn’t about dwelling in guilt—it’s about walking in grace. God desires healing, not condemnation, and through confession, we experience true spiritual freedom. Let Step Five be a turning point where you trade secrecy for surrender and step fully into the victory God has for you.