At some time in your life, someone will confess to you that they have done something bad. It could be your spouse, a relative, or a friend. The question is, what do you do?
Of course, we're not talking about something illegal - you know what to do in that case. But what if it's something stupid or immoral, an addiction or an affair, or anything else that is causing them to feel guilty and ashamed?
First, you must recognize how difficult and humiliating it is for this person to come and confess to you. Encourage them! Commend them for opening up. Commit to being there to listen. Your place is to be their sounding board, not to rescue or fix. If you respond with gentleness and understanding, you can be the first step in your loved one's process of getting better, dealing with the problem, and beginning to move on.
For more suggestions on how to respond to a loved one's confession, check out these great tips from Stephen Altrogge: What to Do When Someone Confesses Sin to You.
