The Power of Humble Confession
By Rick Warren
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
God isn’t moved by prideful complaining, but he does listen to humble confessing.
God responds to humility. Many people hesitate to admit their sins, but God already knows about all your sin! He knows every mistake you've ever made in your entire life. He just wants you to confess them. He wants you to show humility.
When you are humble before God, he doesn’t respond with punishment. He responds with forgiveness, mercy, and blessing. God’s not going to take you down—that’s what your pride does. When you humbly confess your sin, God is quick to forgive. He gives grace to the humble.
The Greek word for “confess” is homologeo. It combines homo, meaning “same,” with logeo, meaning “to speak.” So homologeo literally means to speak the same thing or to agree. You say to God, “You're right. That was a sin. I don't want to make excuses for it. You told me not to do it, but I did it anyway. It was wrong. It was rebellion against you.”
Daniel said, “We have sinned and done wrong”—but he didn't just stop there: “We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants . . . Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame” (Daniel 9:5-7 NIV).
Daniel got very specific with his confession, and you need to as well. Don’t lump all your sins from today together, as if you’re too busy or embarrassed or prideful to name them. God wants you to be specific, because he wants you to know what not to do again.
Knowing that the Israelites didn’t deserve God's blessing, Daniel threw himself on the grace of God. When you humbly confess your sin to God, you are surrendering your will to his. You are acknowledging your weakness and asking for God’s mercy. God’s answer is always grace.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).
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Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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