“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
1 John 1:9
“Excuse me, Mrs. Lowes.”
I turned to face the owner of the polite interruption. I had been explaining something to what I assumed was an engaged and alert student group.
I’ve been wrong before.
The look on the little’s face was – a little uncertain. Uncomfortable, even. Now I was interested. My teacher mind raced along known lines. A washroom visit needed? An apology to deliver? An awkward home story to share?
Um. No.
No on all counts.
“I kinda picked my nose a little and it started bleeding so I think I need to wash at the sink,” was the sheepish but absolutely honest admission.
He’d literally caught himself red-handed and was attempting a clean-up on aisle three.
After squashing a desire to giggle, I had to hand it to him. He had the wisdom to realize where he’d gone wrong, and the impulse to confess it and set it straight.
I could sure learn a lot from a little…
The thing is, we’ve all been there – that sinking realization that we’ve goofed. That knowledge that what we chose to do missed the mark and didn’t measure up.
But many of us, rather than admit it up front and take steps to make restitution, hide the truth away, play the blame game, or refuse to take ownership.
Which leads to moral corruption. The further into a lie we lean, the more out of touch with reality we become.
A problem, to be sure.
Take Judas and Peter.
Both were friends of Jesus. Both saw His miracles, heard Him preach and teach, and saw Him conduct Himself with grace and wisdom.
Both made mistakes.
Judas agreed to take money to betray Jesus. Peter later denied he even knew Him. Yet Peter was restored to companionship with His Lord and went on to become a major player in the global spread of Christianity.
And Judas hung himself.
One had remorse that drove him to despair. One had remorse that drove him to repentance. And that made all the difference.
We all mess up.
But when we own our mistakes and take steps to turn in a new direction, making reparation for any harm we have done, we receive the mercy and grace of a God whose Easter sacrifice met His requirements for justice.
So.
What will you do when you’re caught red handed?
I’m going allow my regret to drive me toward Jesus, rather than away, to find the grace and forgiveness I don’t deserve.
Keep your heart soft and repentant with me?
Father, how hard it is to admit when we are wrong. Help us to turn to You to receive this amazing gift of forgiveness so that our relationship with You can remain intact. Thank You for Your grace! Amen.
Growing in Grace 