We may note that the concept of viddui, confession of guilt, is expressed almost exclusively in the reflexive form: “vsu,vu.” Horav S.R. Hirsch, zl, explains that Hashem does not need our confession; He has no need for us to notify Him of our guilt. Confession is for the sinner; he must acknowledge his guilt–to himself. The first step towards penance, the initial step of contrition, is hakoras ha’cheit, recognizing that one has sinned–and accepting in earnest the error of his deeds. One cannot begin to think about offering a sacrifice for guilt until he has personally acknowledged his guilt–to himself….
