From the letters of the Venerable elder Ambrose of Optina.
It is useful to confess everything with self-reproach, however, if you do it with indignation at others, what is the use of full explanations?.
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<From the memoirs of a spiritual daughter> to my confession - "I am sinful in everything," <the elder> asked: "Did you steal horses?" I answered: "No". “Well, you see, not in everything,” the elder said, smiling. In response to my words that I do not know how to confess at all, the father remarked: "You leave confession like a saint."
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If you are carried away by something through weakness, do not be faint-hearted and embarrassed, but try to correct this by self-reproach and confession first to God, the reader of the human heart, and to your spiritual father in due time. Let the events happening teach you to eschew, be careful and guard yourself, through the fear of God. Surrender yourself to the will of God and wait with patience for the decision of your fate.
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Question: "What does it mean to sincerely confess?" Answer: "It means not to hide anything, to speak directly, not to smooth over."