The NT Greek word “katharos” is translated “pure” in the sixth beatitude, which reads “Blessed are the pure in heart.” “Katharos” refers to a purity that results from inner cleansing that comes through confession.
The word is found many times in the New Testament. The English words “catharsis” and “cathartic”, meaning” purging,” are derived from this ancient word. The Greek philosopher Aristotle believed that artistic performances that caused “highs” and “lows” in audiences were useful in relieving them of unhealthy, bottled-up emotions. We call such performances tear-jerkers.
But an open confession of sin or a crime is known as “a cathartic confession” — a self-confessed one that cleanses the guilty person from a hidden thing. The Bible teaches that such confessions are good for the soul. Knowing that your heart is clean is more important than knowing that your body is clean, because hidden guilt can be more damaging to the soul than uncleanness is to the body.
“Confess your faults to one another,” writes the Apostle James, “and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16).
Hidden sins are best confessed to one whose lips will never repeat them to others, and when confessed healing follows.
Forgiveness and healing go together in the Bible. A healing that has long been sought after without result might well take place after a personal wrong has been righted. Having put it right, you’ll not only feel better but will also find relief from the burden of guilt that went with it.
So, ask God to forgive you for the sake of Jesus, who died to save you from your sins. Then right any personal wrongs that are troubling your conscience — you’ll be the better for having done so, and a damaged personal relationship might well be restored.