Why should we confess one to another the faults we commit? Isn’t sufficient the fact that God knows them? Well, it would have been clear again, if it was about a fault towards this person, - so this fault lies between us...
Why should we confess one to another the faults we commit? Isn’t sufficient the fact that God knows them? Well, it would have been clear again, if it was about a fault towards this person, - so this fault lies between us, as a barrier for genuine relationship, relationships are darkened by the hiding of this fault and its burdensome possible consequences. Confession opens the road for forgiveness, which deletes all barriers. It is clear. But why is it necessary to confess the faults, which do not concern this person?
May be, because in the Church we are members one another and sin in one of us affects the entire body. And again confession leads to forgiveness and the healing of the spiritual disease of sin as well for the sinner, as for the entire body. Moreover, faults result from spiritual problems, and their knowledge allows other people to pray "aiming" for these problems, which means for healing.
It is still probably necessary to say that the expression used here by the apostle James should not mislead us: it is not the prayer that heals, it is not the prayer that "availed much" – only God can avail much and heal, and prayer is the testimony of our will to accept His Grace, His healing.
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5:16 Confess your faults - Whether ye are sick or in health.To one another - He does not say, to the elders: this may, or may not, be done; for it is nowhere commanded. We may confess them to any who can pray in faith: he will then know how to pray for us, and be more stirred up so to do. And pray one for another, that ye may be healed - Of all your spiritual diseases.