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There is so much suffering in the lives of so many people today. In our work here at Integrity Restored, we are constantly hearing about the devasting impact of pornography on individuals, marriages, families and even our Church. One of the three pillars in our approach to recovery from the struggle is “an increased spiritual life, spiritual direction and frequent reception of the sacraments.” The sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful gift from God in the healing journey—a sacrament of healing, of mercy and of restoration.

“All (reconciliation) is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of handing on this reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18).”

We all know the story of the Prodigal Son taking his inheritance and leaving his father to live a life of debauchery until he was broke…literally and figuratively. However, that is not the important part or, thankfully, the end of the story. In our own struggles with sin and addiction, that doesn’t have to be the end of our story either.

In time, the son came to his senses and realized what he was doing was wrong, he wanted to stop, and he recognized how “good” his father was. He swallowed his shame and returned to his good father for help. The father, filled with compassion and mercy, welcomed him with open arms and celebrated his return.

The same can be true for us, returning to the Father in Heaven through the sacrament of reconciliation. He is waiting for us with compassion and mercy, just needing us to come to Him, experience His love and forgiveness and begin our conversion. The only things we need to bring are a heart of repentance and a willingness to turn away from the sin and pledge with God’s help to sin no more.

Here’s a great short video clip from David Abel, Stewardship: A Mission of Faith’s founder, on his experience.

Also, check out The Miracle Box, for sale on our shop site for more info on this important sacrament.

As a riveting visual journey this film explores the mystery of how an ancient rite of the Church uniquely transforms, heals and restores. Could the confessional be the door that returns us to the heart of God? Watch the Miracle Box and find out.

If it has been a while since your last Confession, plan to go as soon as possible. If you are a regular participant of this sacrament, really ponder God’s forgiveness and healing before you go again.

Don’t let shame, recurrence of the same sin over and over again, or a sense of fear stop you from running to the arms of the Father for His forgiveness, mercy and healing. He’s waiting for you, will you come?

Here are five simple steps for a good confession:

• – Examine your conscience.
• – Be sincerely sorry for your sins.
• – Confess your sins to a priest.
• – Resolve to amend your life.
• – After your confession, do the penance the priest assigns.

It is our hope and prayer here at Integrity Restored that you would utilize this incredible sacrament in your recovery journey and accept God’s healing and mercy in your life.

May God bless your journey,

Jim O’Day

Executive Director

Integrity Restored