James 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
The Biblical prescription for confessing your faults to a fellow brother or sister for the purpose of healing is the focal point of our theme verse. In a local assembly for example, there is bound to be disagreements and offense. Apostle James proffered a solution on how to solve this problem.
The word translated faults in our opening verse is the Greek word hamartia which means failure, a fault or missing the mark – by implication, a sin. This isn’t sin in the sense of an unbeliever seeking forgiveness. Apostle James obviously drew a relationship between the offense and the need for healing. This could be healing as a result of hurt caused by the offense or misunderstanding. It could also be physical healing which might have become necessary because of unforgiveness.
Reconciliation is an important aspect of our assignment as believers. Jesus speaking on this subject made it clear “(23) Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, (24) leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23 -24).
Do not be part of those who jump on social media to settle a problem that requires a conversation or an apology. Allowing offense to build up only leads to unforgiveness, hurt and opens the door for the enemy to inflict with sickness. The fervency and effectiveness of a righteous man’s prayer is only guaranteed to produce results when there is unity. Be intentional about living in unity, the Psalmist said it is there that the Lord commands the blessing “for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore” (Psalm 133:3b).
PRAYER
Father, I receive grace to be intentional with my apology and creating an atmosphere where unity reigns in the name of Jesus.
