Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16 NIV
When we hear the word "confession" in a religious context the image that probably most comes to mind is that of a Catholic priest hearing a list of sins, the person expresses regret, is given something to do as penance, then is absolved. Only the priest, as the earthly representative of GOD may forgive.
Well, if you're in AA you can tell the things you've done wrong to your sponsor (in fact it's one of the steps). While he can't forgive you in GOD's name (according to the Church) he can help you come to terms and make yourself ready to make amends (the next step) with those you have wronged. Then you go out and ask those people to forgive you themselves.
There was a study once I read of that determined soldiers who were of a religion that had a formal process of confession suffered fewer emotional problems than those who did not. Speaking it out loud, expressing regret, and being told they were forgiven made the memories of what had been done bearable.
But can you truly be forgiven by GOD without a priest or other human authority? Look to the Bible. In James 5:16 it is to EACH OTHER we should confess. Not a priest, not a minister. Then you pray for each other. The verse says "so that you will be healed." Our Mediator, Christ Jesus, by whom our sins are paid for in full, many times combined forgiveness of sins with healing.
So finding a trusted person to tell your sins to helps. Each listens compassionately and non-judgementally to the other. They express their regret to GOD praying for and with each other. And, according to GOD's Word, they are healed. Amen!
