I don’t know about you, but admitting I am wrong is not the easiest thing to do. When you get to be my age it is no longer just an ego or pride issue, it is usually something that you know you should have learned or matured past by this point in your life. However, each of us at any given time must confess our mistakes to God and other people. You will find a significant difference between your confessions between those you present to God and those you offer up to people.
Matthew 5:23 – 25 alludes to the concept of settling disputes before you present yourself or an offering to God. The concept is similar to 1 Peter 3:7 when there is conflict between you and a spouse. However, you never have to worry about how your confession will be heard or what the outcome will be from Deity. While it is true that you must live with the consequences of your actions, you will be forgiven, if you confess your sin according to 1 John 1:9. The difference between God and man is explained succinctly in 2 Timothy 2:13. His faithfulness is far and above better than anything we can imagine, much less exhibit.
But then there is the other side – confessing to one another. Unfortunately people come with a host of emotions and even the best have some biases. Earlier this year I talked to you about two people. I asked them both for forgiveness for actions taken in a competitive work environment – a man and a woman. The man forgave me and put it behind him while the woman chose to be unresponsive by not answering my request. I felt a great sense of relief after my conversation with him, but no relief from my efforts with her. However, I had made the effort and I believe that God honored that. If another person will not forgive, that is their issue, not yours – you have done what God asked you to do by not allowing the sin to accumulate and impair your relationship with Him.
In some cases you will need to offer restitution. It may be the only way that will “right” the “wrong.” Restitution is vitally important. You cannot have a clear conscience before God if you continue to feel guilty about what happened between you and another person. Your ability to love other people will be dependent on how much you love God and are willing to take the steps necessary to repair any harm you may have caused another. I have to tell you this is a hard lesson and one that few will approach with determination.
Today, I ask you to pray and see if God lays someone on your heart that perhaps you feel you have wronged. I say that not as a condemnation, but as an opportunity for you to see God and others through new eyes – the eyes of humility and love. Those eyes value God and others above yourself.
Love Dad