63. Path Out Of Porn P2: Getting Honest And Receiving Forgiveness

Welcome to episode #63!

In this week's episode, Matt and Braden talk about getting honest, what that means, and how it plays an integral part in getting free. They also chat about what forgiveness actually means and the importance of receiving it in our freedom journey.

Honesty moves us towards healing. Hiddenness and half truths hinder healing
Being fully honest means sharing the full truth instead of sugar-coating it or sharing only bits and pieces. If we don't fully disclose our struggle with porn, we will be stuck in the same cycle of shame and guilt and won't experience any lasting change. This first starts with being fully honest with God and then with a trusted person.

Honesty opens us up to receive
When we are honest, we have taken a posture to receive healing. If we hold back, then we are not fully giving ourselves over to the process to start healing. Shame leads to hiddenness and trying to "save face" because we don't think people would accept us if they knew the truth. However, when we face the full truth and share that with God, He works in our lives in a much more powerful way because we are coming to Him in brokenness (humility/honesty) and not in pride.

Being honest also creates opportunity to restore broken relationships, as secrets will erode trust with loved ones and create a barrier to being in true relationship with people. This doesn't mean we shout the truth from the rooftop for all to hear, but when we share it first with God and then with trusted people, we can move towards being able to share our full truth within a healing community (listen to next week's podcast to hear more about that!).

Honesty gives us the opportunity to be forgiven
If we hold back in our disclosure, what is hidden isn't addressed nor is it able to be forgiven. God has forgiveness for all that we have done but we have to confess it fully in order to receive His full forgiveness. It works the same for people in our lives, as they don't have the chance to forgive us for things that are unknown. Restoration of broken relationships can only happen if there is honesty, as that rebuilds trust.

Share With Your Friends
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Stay Tuned
Next week, Matt and Braden continue on in the "Path Out Of Porn" series with Part 3: Healing in community. You don't want to miss it!!

Resources
Full Life Disclosure
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+

Pure Freedom Journey for men and women

Book a FREE call (men)

Course for marriages

FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code RM30 for 30 days free

Podcast Hosts
BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He has been married for 12 years to his wife Kristen, and they live in Edmonton, Alberta. He is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

MATT CLINE

Matt and his wife Louise raise their little guys, David and Oliver, in Edmonton, Alberta. He is honored to do what he can to tackle the epidemic of pornography and sexual perversion in every way possible. Seeing lives and marriages get free and experience the love of God in profound ways is what drives him every day. He leads Restored Ministries, is a certified speaker and coach for the John Maxwell Team, and formerly played hockey in the WHL and for Hockey Canada. You can visit www.restoredministries.ca.