Several years ago, I listened to an interview with Mike Donehey, lead singer of the band Tenth Avenue North. He said that if we refuse to talk about some sins, we are not believing the gospel because those sins are the very ones Christ died to save us from. Those temptations are the ones his sacrifice gives us power to overcome.
This was life-changing for me. I had given in to the lie that there were some sins that were too “big” for believers—and believing that lie gave those temptations power over me. Yet Christ is more powerful. He’s canceled the debt of every sin through his atoning death and resurrection; therefore I don’t have to fear when temptation comes my way.
When I humble myself before fellow believers and confess where my heart has wandered to, grieving over my sin, I’m acknowledging that this is why I need a Savior. If I refuse to admit my guilt and try to solve it on my own, I’m saying I can be my own savior. But the gospel shines brighter when we acknowledge our need for it and put our trust in what Christ has done for us. And this gives hope to fellow strugglers to find relief from their secret shame.