Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

There will always be those who refuse to be reasonable. For some reason their minds are set and not open to discussing any possibility that intrudes upon their opinion. They have settled some issue in their mind and upon that decision they rest.

When the prosecution rest, it is the defenses turn to present their case. How can one judge rightly if they refuse to hear the opposing witnesses. If you want me to hear your opinion, the least you can do is stick around long enough to hear my case.

Be reasonable. What possible excuse could you use to fail to listen?

Isaiah 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

So one argument might be that this quote from Isaiah isn’t talking to you? He is addressing Israel. Granted Isaiah is addressing Israel, but they first came to know the One True God through the faith of Abraham. Abraham is the father of faith for all faith based religions. As such any discussion which is faith based must be inclusive for that makeup and anyone included within those groups.

Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

The Jews made room for none Jews to worship God. Christians make room for sinners to enter into worship. These are the religions of inclusions and as such the words given to Isaiah to Israel are adopted into those faith based religions. What was said to Israel is meant for us all to hear and heed.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Since when is confession the same thing as seeking forgiveness? The illusion of sameness is ancient. It stems from “Forgive me father for I have sinned.” This is seeking forgiveness from man not God. The issue of confession is admission of sin and the discussion needs to move forward to contrition, a change in attitude and direction.

I will admit there is high value in confession but the purpose is not forgiveness, it is submission and accountability. We are to be subject one to another. This is not the surrender of rights and responsibilities, it is seeking counsel and encouragement from another believer. That person does not have to be your priest, elder or pastor. As long as that person has demonstrated love towards you is what is required.

It is called accountability partners. You need someone who puts your best interest to heart. This partnership can only be discovered in fellowship of the saints. He or she (same sex) needs to be a believer with the same foundational beliefs you hold. All tensions and contentions must be absent in this relationship. If you cannot trust this person, you will not confess your deepest and darkest moments.

It has to be a two way street. You need to be there for them just as much as they are for you. None of us are beyond the need for succor. If one side is the only confessor, then he loses the sense and opportunity for value in the relationship. Friendship has value when both side lend support.

I’ve had unproductive partners in the past. Those were ones who made lite of my confession with statements like, “We all feel that way.”; “That isn’t important.”; “Don’t worry about it.” If I come to you with a concern, then I am troubled and I need answers not permission.