A Confession Guide for Teens

Aloha Friends,

Thank you for the positive feedback on the previous newsletter. We are so grateful for each of you and your support of Explicit Movement throughout the years. It is our prayer that your homes and hearts will be overflowing with love, purpose and an identity rooted in Jesus Christ. Whatever your festivities look like this week, just know that we are thankful for you.

As promised, here are some conversation starters and guide to help you and your family develop a healthy habit of agreeing with God through the biblical practice of confession.

Inviting Teens Into Grace-Filled Confession

Use these steps to guide a gentle, safe, non-judgmental conversation.

STEP 1: Set the Tone (1–2 minutes)

Begin with reassurance:

“In our family, we tell the truth not because we’re trying to avoid punishment, but because truth helps us grow. We’re safe with God, and we’re safe with each other.”

“Nothing you say will make me love you less.”

This primes the nervous system for calm, open sharing.

STEP 2: Explore What Confession Really Means

Read 1 John 1:9 or Psalm 51:6 together.

Then say:

“Confession isn’t just admitting something. It’s agreeing with God’s truth and stepping back into who He created us to be.”

Ask:

• “What part of confession feels scary to you?”

• “What part feels freeing?”

• “What do you think God feels when we come to Him with our struggles?”

Normalize emotional honesty.

STEP 3: Connect Confession to Identity

Say something like:

“When we confess, we return to the person God is shaping us into — strong, wise, joyful, and pure.”

Ask your teen:

• “What kind of person do you feel God is shaping you into?”

• “How do you think confession helps you grow into that person?”

Let them dream aloud about their identity and future.

STEP 4: Share Light, Not Shame

Offer a brief personal story (age-appropriate) of a time you confessed something to God and experienced grace.

This models vulnerability and safety.

Then ask:

“Are there any struggles or worries you’d like to bring into the light today? You don’t have to share details if you’re not ready. But I’m here.”

Do NOT pressure. The goal is invitation, not extraction.

STEP 5: Pray Together

A simple prayer:

“Jesus, thank You that Your love meets us in truth. Thank You that confession is not rejection, but restoration. Help us walk in the light with You. Heal what needs healing. Strengthen what needs strengthening. Amen.”

Here are some reflection questions for teens

• What part of confession do I misunderstand?

• What do I believe about God’s response when I mess up?

• What lies do I need to replace with truth?

• How does stepping into the light help me become who I want to be?

• What is one small area I can bring before God this week?

We hope this helps you and your family to open up the lines of communication. The holiday season is a great time to reflect on the year as a family. Coming back into agreement with God through confession is also an amazing way to enter the New Year. Remember to invite the Holy Spirit into your conversations and let Him bring a spirit of gentleness.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving or Lā Kūʻoko'a from the Explicit Movement Ohana.