How to Make a Good Confession

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  • čas přidán 14. 08. 2017
  • In sacramental confession, we can get rid of the sins that stand between us and God. A talk by Greek Orthodox priest Fr. David Smith.

Komentáře • 123

  • @shielahurlburt5200
    @shielahurlburt5200 Před 6 lety +40

    Thank you Father ,It has been over 50 years and now I feel that I can come back to the church where I belong

  • @lornetkabaranowski4516
    @lornetkabaranowski4516 Před 6 lety +39

    I'm going to confession tomorrow after 3 yrs and 7mos. Thank you father.

  • @claudiofernandes2393
    @claudiofernandes2393 Před 2 lety +10

    God bless you father for encouraging me to go for confession

  • @stellajacovides9676
    @stellajacovides9676 Před 4 měsíci +2

    Father Bless .
    Excellent presentation. So simply yet fully explained . We make things complicated . The comparison to training for a race creates a great word picture . I will forward this presentation to my children and grandchildren .
    Thank you Father for your ability to keep things simple and thus understandable .
    Good Strength .

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 4 měsíci

      Stella, I'm happy you liked the video. God bless you and your family!

  • @mandyvatougios2447
    @mandyvatougios2447 Před rokem +4

    Thank you so much father David. I appreciate your honesty and the analogies and the tips. 5 years later and your talk, with the Grace of God, is still benefiting people. Thank you for your efforts.

  • @tatyanaalexandra8299
    @tatyanaalexandra8299 Před 2 měsíci

    This is an excellent analogy for why confession is important. Thank-you Father David!

  • @pipersphynx4349
    @pipersphynx4349 Před 5 lety +16

    That was the best explanation I've ever heard. I am going this Saturday

  • @heypidge4270
    @heypidge4270 Před 2 lety +3

    Bless you, father. Thank you ☦️

  • @BasketsFromAtoZ
    @BasketsFromAtoZ Před 6 lety +14

    Thank you Father for making it easy for me to understand. I will put confession at a much higher priority.

  • @claudiofernandes2393
    @claudiofernandes2393 Před 2 lety +3

    God bless this awesome Priest

  • @serbiannationalist6351
    @serbiannationalist6351 Před 5 lety +7

    God bless you, father !

  • @ehabibrahim2841
    @ehabibrahim2841 Před 4 lety +6

    Thank you Father .i am new in the orthodox church and i need to start over from the beginning

  • @mcsmama
    @mcsmama Před 3 měsíci

    That was wonderful, Father David; thank you so much!
    I was very touched when you said that you say, "Forgive me", near the end of each confession... acknowledging your own human propensity for sin & the "position" that the newly absolved penitent holds, having just been absolved/cleansed of their own sins! What a beautiful awareness to drive home!
    After many (~35) years of avoiding Confession & simply "going through the motions", because I was terrified that if I stopped going to Mass I would stop even TRYING to be reconciled with Him, I was finally blessed about 5 years ago with a series of occurrences that brought me back to Confession, & ramped up my pursuit & then continuous pursuit of Him, through the increasingly fervent practice my Catholic Faith. I almost always come out of Confession feeling lighter & joyful, & with the resolve to do better, in keeping with the realization of that moment of having been totally forgiven; what an absolutely tremendous gift! I am so SO VERY blessed, & incredibly grateful! God bless you, Father!😇
    ["How to Make a Good Confession" - Fr. David Smith]
    [4.26.2024]

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 3 měsíci +1

      God bless you and help you to continue your spiritual growth

  • @timcharles5677
    @timcharles5677 Před 2 lety +2

    I am Roman catholic and go reguarly to confession. It's such a joy to offload all the garbage of sin

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 2 lety +2

      I agree, and I love the word "offload." We stop pointlessly storing a product, and benefit by moving it off the shelves.

    • @angelicavazquez6946
      @angelicavazquez6946 Před 11 měsíci

      I'm Roman Catholic too, and this video really helped. The part about training for the race, especially.
      I went to Confession for the first time in years a few mos. ago. The priest had a stern voice, I went in totally unprepared.
      I ended up not confessing a mortal sin, the one that made me approach the Sacrament in the first place.
      Then I learned that is Sacrilege, now I have to go back and Confess that as well.
      I guess I just have to keep going... and going... And going.
      Thank you for the great video, Father

  • @webs2u267
    @webs2u267 Před 6 lety +8

    Thank you, Father. You really helped me to see confession in a much more positive light. You also made me laugh a few times at our shared human nature (wanting the results of training but not wanting to actually train), which helps too.

  • @billfay9412
    @billfay9412 Před 3 lety +2

    James 5:16 therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed🙏🏻 The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and affective amen May the Lord bless all brothers and sisters in the Lord with health wealth and happiness may the Lord surround you with love and peace❤️🇬🇷

  • @kristinaharalampopoulos6993

    Thank you Father, for the detailed explanation and for sharing your own personal story. I've never understood the importance of confessing to a priest but now I do. I'm truly grateful that I found your video. 🙏 God Bless

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 2 lety +2

      thank you! I'm glad you benefited from the video. God bless you

  • @fannyissac7398
    @fannyissac7398 Před 4 lety

    Thank you Father! This was wonderfully explained

  • @taratorme
    @taratorme Před 5 lety +4

    Thank you Father. I just got baptized @ the Easter Vigil on Saturday April 20, 2019. I am new @ confession. And I want to be as brutally honest in my confessions. Tara

  • @valeriancolaco1112
    @valeriancolaco1112 Před 5 lety +1

    Brillant, an eye opener. I too will go to confession ASAP.

  • @Riiyona
    @Riiyona Před 2 lety +2

    I’ve been wanting to do a general confession for a long time and this was helpful.

  • @susannebrule3160
    @susannebrule3160 Před 3 lety

    Father I love this video it's one of the best explanation I've heard on confession.

  • @katiejo1095
    @katiejo1095 Před 4 měsíci

    I read scripture that said to confess your sins and pray for one another so we can heal. Makes sense.

  • @annfieger79
    @annfieger79 Před rokem

    Thank you Father David. You are very inspiring.

  • @TinaICXCNIKA
    @TinaICXCNIKA Před rokem +1

    Thank you, #FrDavidSmith. This was more informative, clarifying, inspiring and motivating than I could have hoped for. May God bless you and yours, and all here with the Grace and Mercy to continue growing ever closer to Him...for HIS Glory.

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před rokem +2

      God bless you. Thanks for your note - I'm so glad the video was helpful.

  • @claudiofernandes2393
    @claudiofernandes2393 Před 2 lety

    God bless you father

  • @phillipbingham487
    @phillipbingham487 Před 5 měsíci

    very good teaching Father !

  • @trishalyn
    @trishalyn Před 8 měsíci

    Thank you

  • @RachelGray33
    @RachelGray33 Před 2 lety

    Dear Father David - Your blessing. Glory to God for this video and explanation. Thank you, In Christ and His love, Rachel

  • @lindanizamoff7981
    @lindanizamoff7981 Před 3 lety +2

    This has been very helpful. And changed my attitude.

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 3 lety +1

      I'm so glad you benefitted from the video. God bless you.

  • @MariaK975
    @MariaK975 Před 2 lety +1

    that was amazingly comprehensive. I really look forward to beginning my training for confessions and look forward to the challenges that may be set for me by my spriritual Father. I truly hope all goes well. Thank you very much.

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 2 lety +2

      I'm glad you liked the video, and benefitted from it. God bless you!

  • @medicineandbrazilianjiujit8511

    Thank you, Father.

  • @danielanastuta4972
    @danielanastuta4972 Před 5 lety +9

    And then you go again and again and again 😂 sounds funny but when you know confession and the struggles it shakes you 🤦🏼‍♀️😂😕

  • @BRIANMORGANNOW
    @BRIANMORGANNOW Před 6 lety +1

    Thanks ~ good videos. Do what you enjoy, what brings “meaning to you”?

  • @rscotthudson1959
    @rscotthudson1959 Před 2 lety

    This was very useful.

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 2 lety +1

      Thank you, I'm glad you liked the video. God bless you!

  • @toniabarbin4441
    @toniabarbin4441 Před 2 lety +2

    Please pray for me Father. In danger spiritually physically...very sick, dying...noone to care for me.

  • @vy7737
    @vy7737 Před 3 lety

    Good video

  • @AW-uo9lg
    @AW-uo9lg Před 5 lety +3

    Thank you father. I recently did a f$#$ up and got a tarot reading without realizing that it's not something we should do. I'm going to do a confession soon to repent. I just feel really regretful right now..

  • @wade43671
    @wade43671 Před 6 lety +6

    Thank you for posting this video! I try to go to Confession every other week and one of the problems I have is driving back home and remembering all of the sins I wanted to confess but forgot. Sometimes my mind goes blank and then, only when I reached my home, do I remember what I wanted to confess. Does anyone else have the same problem? Thanks!

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 6 lety +7

      It's a good idea to write things down beforehand. Nowadays, many younger people come to confession with their smartphones - where they've written the things they want to say.

    • @troysamson8240
      @troysamson8240 Před 6 lety +1

      Fr. David Smith if the sin you have committed is so evil can you bypass mentioning the sin and just generalize it

    • @TheRealRealOK
      @TheRealRealOK Před 5 lety

      wade43671 Yup, I have to write it down.

    • @inescornejo3040
      @inescornejo3040 Před 5 lety

      wade43671 Yes that happens to me. I remember in my language but then in English is complete blank I can not remember the act of contrition. I will pray for you God bless.🙏🏻💒

  • @marcelwaee3056
    @marcelwaee3056 Před 5 lety +8

    Father, I'm 13 do I have to confess this young? I like, feel that I'll sin right away because I still have no spiritual experience

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 5 lety +10

      Μαρσελλώς it’s good to get started with confession at any age. Yes, we all sin after we go to confession, and that’s why we keep going back

    • @marcelwaee3056
      @marcelwaee3056 Před 5 lety +4

      @@fr.davidsmith463 Thank you, Father

  • @marcelwaee3056
    @marcelwaee3056 Před 5 lety

    31:00 is that a Theosis reference?

  • @fred15228
    @fred15228 Před 6 lety +2

    Mine me asking, but what do I the sins that I wish to confess are so hard for me to say, I don't think I could actually confess it?

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 6 lety +3

      First, find a spiritual father you trust. Start by confessing that you have sins you're uncomfortable confessing. That opens the discussion.

    • @kevinseraphimday6373
      @kevinseraphimday6373 Před 6 lety +4

      My Father says "you can't shock a priest". I also have sins that are "hard to say" but I say them anyway. Best thing you can do Uncle Pennybags

    • @zz-ms3jm
      @zz-ms3jm Před 6 lety +4

      Never let the devil put you into shame to confess t god god already know your sins he wants you to speak them out so he know you really want to release them and want mercy for them

    • @lindalouisehusband7188
      @lindalouisehusband7188 Před 6 lety +1

      Fantastically helpful video-thanks Father!

  • @shredwarfare5446
    @shredwarfare5446 Před rokem +1

    What if our confession is really bad? Borderline criminal? What if it indicates mental health disorder? What if it makes my Priest want me out of the parish? Can he kick me out for what I confess?

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před rokem +1

      Those are good questions - each is different. Really bad sins come out often in confession, and the priest offers advice and pronounces absolution. All sin is bad. Criminal activity may prompt the priest to ask for something to be done (an "obedience") before absolution can be given. Mental health disorders are not rare in my experience, I offer what advice I can and urge the person to continue a relationship with the church and with confession. Someone can be kept from the sacraments (excommunication) for a time because of a really grievous sin, but no one is "kicked out" of the church. Even while a person is excommunicated, I urge them to attend liturgy and other church events as much as possible.

    • @sophiaemilywoods6714
      @sophiaemilywoods6714 Před rokem

      ​@@fr.davidsmith463 😂🎉😂😂😂

  • @Alex-gx5mb
    @Alex-gx5mb Před 9 měsíci

    In Russian orthodox tradition including some OCA. Frequent confession is seen best practice so to say. I go to Antiochian now and was told not to come as often. What should I do?

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 9 měsíci +2

      If you're going to a church that does not require frequent confession, don't go frequently. Conform to the practices of the church you're attending.

    • @Alex-gx5mb
      @Alex-gx5mb Před 9 měsíci

      @@fr.davidsmith463 thanks for your reply.

  • @paolamiranda9809
    @paolamiranda9809 Před 2 lety

    My question is
    What if you do things that you know are wrong and confess them and then do them again?

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 2 lety +1

      This happens all the time. God forgives us every time we ask, we keep coming to confession because we don't want sin to overtake us and rule us. Confession helps us to overcome our habitual sins.

  • @Jesusandbible
    @Jesusandbible Před 5 lety

    One Orthodox priest said he gave out a penance to a woman who had an abortion to adopt a child. Do you agree he should or can do that?

    • @Cobruh_Commander
      @Cobruh_Commander Před 5 lety

      Do you know what penance is?

    • @kristenhertzler4386
      @kristenhertzler4386 Před 2 lety

      In Orthodoxy, recommendations given are specifically tailored to the individual involved. It's not really for any of the rest of us to judge since we dont know the whole story of the person confessing.

  • @Jesusandbible
    @Jesusandbible Před 5 lety

    The Orthodox often say they are different from Catholics, in that they say the priest does not forgive sins, you are just forgiven in his presence. In which case why does your rite of absolution contain the words that he the priest forgives your sins

    • @Jesusandbible
      @Jesusandbible Před 5 lety

      @Leonardo's Truth that is a logical fallacy reply - address the question

    • @marcelwaee3056
      @marcelwaee3056 Před 5 lety

      Because Priest gives his hands and Tongue to God when he performs mysteries and sacraments as he is given that power from Christ himself throughout The apostles that gave it to priests and Bishops themselves, when Christ gave his speech about powers and such, WAS ANYONE EXCEPT THE APOSTLES THERE? History can tell you much more

    • @Jesusandbible
      @Jesusandbible Před 5 lety

      @@marcelwaee3056 you commit blasphemy of the Holy Ghost with such nonchalance. First you say the Holy Ghost is invoked by epiklesis, now you say God must possess a priest to be saved, that still means the priest must be there in the first place giving himself over to possession, and still means its a false gospel by adding being "topped up" with grace for salvation. Fact is Jesus does not possess the priest. By the way it will be useful if you show us this possession doctrine in your canons. thanks

    • @marcelwaee3056
      @marcelwaee3056 Před 5 lety +5

      @@Jesusandbible You apparently don't know anything about anything in Church history or the Book of Acts! MUH SOLA FIDE Stop this! did the Holy Ghost leave the Church until the Reformation? you are the one making blasphemy my friend

    • @Cobruh_Commander
      @Cobruh_Commander Před 5 lety

      @Leonardo's Truth Rome betrayed the Pentarchy, bud.

  • @hillarym4550
    @hillarym4550 Před 6 lety

    Dont you have to receive reconciliation in order to receive the eucharist?

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 6 lety

      Not in all Orthodox Churches. Everyone needs to check with the local priest.

    • @Cobruh_Commander
      @Cobruh_Commander Před 5 lety

      I think it makes sense, also to fast before receiving Eucharist. I'm yet to be Orthodox but I still do it before receiving the antidoron (that's the blessed bread, right?) at Divine Liturgy.

  • @beantrader4723
    @beantrader4723 Před 2 lety

    We sin throughout ea day so without regular confession of sin, the promise of continual cleansing is rendered null and void resulting in broken fellowship. "If we confess our sins, 'HE' is faithful & just to forgive us our sins & to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1Jn1:9. In Mt 27:51 when Christ died on the cross "The veil was rent from top to bottom" signifying that no longer was a priest needed for 'confession that formally only one priest was allowed to present to God. Mk 2:7 "Who can forgive sins but God only?" Christ opened the door to the Throneroom of Grace where GOD said we may come at anytime, including confession. God doesn't want to wait a (RCC MONTH), to hear from a confession, he asks for immediate repentance. If I stole from u would u wait a month? Proof that ONLY GOD can forgive sin: Mt 6:14 "For if u forgive other people when they sin against u, ur heavenly 'Father' will also forgive u". Eph 4:32 "Be kind & compassionate to one another, forgiving even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you", Col 3:13 "Bear w/each othEr & forgive one another if any of u has a grievance against someone. Forgive AS the LORD forgave u", 1Sam2:25 “If one man sins against another, GOD will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” “For there is one God, and ONE mediator also between God & men, the man Christ Jesus” 1 Tim. 2:5 God desires a 'relationship' w/ea of 'us', God never mentions a go-between-priest in scripture. 'WE' are now the Temple where God lives IN 'us' so we don't need a 'eucharist' that the RCC claims is God. God is Omnipresent in ALL of HIS CHURCH - the BELIEVERS, not just in a cement building. "Do you not know that you are God'sTemple and that God's Spirit dwells in you"? 1Cor3:16. Do u not realize that the 'sacraments' are meant to trick u into believing u can't please God or enter Heaven unless you remain a member of the RCC? Wake up! You already have everything within u as a Believer in Christ! `How long will u remain a seeker of man's religion instead of a seeker of God & HIS teachings & truth? And you, sir, teach a false Gospel that millions are led away from God from thinking, speaking & doing what u falsely teach. Shame on you for contradicting GOD.
    see: >Roman Catholicism vs the Bible OR Roman Catholicism vs Biblical Christianity

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 2 lety +2

      These are all good verses of scripture that speak to the way that Christians are forgiven of their sins. Remember that the Church came before the scriptures - the Church gave us the scriptures (New Testament).
      I always remind people that I do not forgive sins, but God does, and at every confession I quote I John 1:9 and make sure that penitents understand and agree with the words of St. John. We ask forgiveness constantly, to be sure. But it is helpful for people to speak their sins to another person, James 5:15, who is sacramentally bound to keep anything that is said strictly confidential, and to offer spiritually beneficial advice. This is the essence of the sacrament.

  • @constantinsiarapis2881

    I m not against Confession but it is an irony when priests are suggesting to the faithful to go to Confession. Why ? Because according to serious statistics,
    only 8 per cent of priests go regularly to Confession . The prescriptions are good but many priests are not going regularly for many reasons. Some don't have discipline, somme don't trust their fellow brothers ,some are indifferent and some never had their own self examination. It is not a criticism this comment but it is a reality what happened "behind the curtains" !

    • @tmnitgebrehiwot9313
      @tmnitgebrehiwot9313 Před 4 lety +1

      This is coming from an Eritrean Orthodox. I think it is an idea we entertain as humans. Yet, who are we to judge and question the ones that God has given power to? I have heard the same thing in my church as well and replying as to what I have been taught. It is also one way of the devil trying to jold us back from confession. I hope I make sense.

    • @joxbrough
      @joxbrough Před 4 lety

      Please would you identify the source of the statistics mentioned. Such a reference would be most helpful. Thank you.

  • @cri838
    @cri838 Před 9 měsíci

    Are you a ortodox priest?

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před 9 měsíci

      yes. St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church, Syracuse, NY

  • @sdboyd
    @sdboyd Před rokem

    Why is this so hard for people? I’ve had a couple of horrible priests but not because they berated me for my sins. They berated me for wasting their time. When I encounter this type of nonsense I move on to the many other good priests out there. Go to confession!!!

    • @fr.davidsmith463
      @fr.davidsmith463  Před rokem +1

      Yes, I'm sorry this happens. Confession is difficult for the priest as much as for the one confessing, and some priests avoid it. Pray that God would point you to a good father confessor.

    • @sdboyd
      @sdboyd Před rokem

      @@fr.davidsmith463 I’ve got a great confessor now.

  • @Jesusandbible
    @Jesusandbible Před 5 lety +2

    Thought confession is supposed to be private, and here you are, telling everyone minus the names

  • @dominic5520
    @dominic5520 Před 5 lety +1

    You make a good “confession” by eliminating guy in black suits like this,and talking directly to GOD !
    clergy keep you dependent on their man made rituals !go directly to GOD.
    JESUS NEVER FAILS !

    • @Sully1167
      @Sully1167 Před 5 lety +3

      Dominic This is the Orthodox Church.

    • @dominic5520
      @dominic5520 Před 5 lety

      Celticfire soon to be combined with the Catholic Church.there will be a merging (it’s already under way),
      The evangelical CHRISTian church and other Protestant denominations,and it was just announced the S D A church is also joining the movement.this is the one world luciferian church spoken of in REVELATION.
      www.gotquestions.org/one-world-religion.html.i am just trying to warn people,we are getting near the end.

    • @mimigm6595
      @mimigm6595 Před 5 lety +1

      @@dominic5520 What does this have to do with your original statement about confession? Please don't confuse the sheep. This is the Orthodox church.

    • @yeehaw6267
      @yeehaw6267 Před 5 lety +5

      Dominic
      Of course you can talk directly to God, but that doesn’t change that Christ gave the Apostles the power to forgive (or refuse to forgive) sins.
      “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.’”-John 20:19-23

    • @patrick8128
      @patrick8128 Před 2 lety +1

      @@yeehaw6267 Jesus Himself instituted Penance..."whose sins you forgive are forgiven..." Don't argue with Jesus!

  • @Jesusandbible
    @Jesusandbible Před 5 lety

    "The sacrament which removes that which is between us and God"? You repeat over and over. No one needs you. We dont necessarily even have to confess things one at a time to God verbally, just REPENT and he forgives. No one needs you. You are trying to be essential to others salvation. You aren't.

    • @marcelwaee3056
      @marcelwaee3056 Před 5 lety +9

      Cease this! Priesthood is Biblical and Traditional so is confession, Protestant versions of the bible removed the word "Priest" in the letters of the Apostles in the New Testament