NOTES for Jam 5:16

Why confess offenses to one another? Is it not enough that God knows about them? Well, it is understandable if the matter concerns an offense precisely against this person, for then this offense lies between us as an obstacle to pure relations; the relationship is darkened by hiding this offense and by its possible painful consequences. Confession opens the road to forgiveness, by which all barriers are destroyed. This is understandable. But why should one confess offenses that do not concern this person? Perhaps because in the Church we are all members of one another, and sin in one of us touches the whole body. Again, confession leads to forgiveness and healing from the spiritual illness of sin, both for the sinner himself and for the whole body. In addition, offenses flow from spiritual problems, and knowledge of them allows other people to pray "with aim" about these problems, that is, about healing.

And one more thing should perhaps be said: the expression used here by the apostle James should not mislead us. It is not prayer that heals; it is not prayer that "can do much" - God can do much and heals, while prayer is our testimony to our readiness to receive His grace, His healing.