Read: James 5:15-16

It is not just physical things that make us sick. Spiritual ills, like failures in relationships, can also bring us down. So James also encourages us to be quick to confess to our failures - to God and to each other.

When we confess our failures to the person we failed, we begin the process of healing in the relationship. Of course, confession is not a demand for forgiveness. That is at the discretion of the person who have suffered hurt. But when we fail someone, it's all we can do to own up to our failures.

When we confess our failures to someone other than the person we failed, we are showing our humanity. As risky as it is to be that vulnerable, it creates an opportunity for greater intimacy. Vulnerability makes relationships real by shattering the illusion of invincibility and superhuman strength. Far from it, it's fresh and blood people looking for love.

Write
Think about your faith story: how safe do you feel about confessing failures in your relationships?

Presently, which relationships are suffering because of unconfessed failures? What would it take for you to come clean in those relationshisp?

Presently, in which relationships are you holding a grudge? How do you need God to heal that relationship?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about your friendships where there is strain. Tell him about the hurt and frustration you feel because of unconfessed failures.

Talk to God about your desire for healing in your friendships. Ask God for the resources to come clean, and to forgive.

Talk to God about your fears of vulnerability. Tell God which relationships you which for greater intimacy, and ask for the courage and wisdom to be vulnerable.

Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy as he heals your relationship and brings about deeper intimacy, and as you find greater freedom to love and to receive love.