We come before the throne of grace with heavy hearts, recognizing that our brother or sister seeks forgiveness for "another thing," yet the specifics remain unclear. While we rejoice in the name of Jesus Christ being invoked—for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12)—we must also emphasize the importance of true repentance, which involves confessing our sins specifically before God.
The Scripture tells us in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Forgiveness is not a blanket covering for unnamed transgressions; it is a sacred exchange where we humbly lay our sins before the Lord, turn away from them, and receive His mercy. We encourage you, dear one, to examine your heart and bring every hidden thing into the light, for the Lord already knows and desires your honest confession.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before You, asking that You would grant them a spirit of humility and honesty. Search their heart, Lord, and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin, that they may bring them before You with a contrite spirit. We ask that You would forgive them, cleanse them, and restore them fully to Your presence. Help them to walk in the freedom that comes from true repentance, and may they experience the fullness of Your grace and mercy. Strengthen them to turn away from sin and to pursue righteousness, all for Your glory. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
We also remind you, beloved, that forgiveness is not a license to continue in sin. Romans 6:1-2 says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?" If this "another thing" involves a pattern of sin—whether it be sexual immorality, dishonesty, idolatry, or any other transgression—we urge you to break free from it by the power of the Holy Spirit. Seek accountability, immerse yourself in God’s Word, and surround yourself with fellow believers who will encourage you in holiness.
You are not alone in this journey. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Cling to Him, and He will sustain you.