When you make a mistake
“Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:24 ESV)
Mistakes can hurt those we love
A few months ago, while cleaning out our basement, I decided it was time to part with an old kitchen table that had long outlived its usefulness. Thinking someone else might appreciate it, I placed it on the curb with a “Free” sign. Within minutes, a driver stopped, loaded it into a vehicle, and drove away.
Just then, my granddaughter arrived and watched it disappear. With tears in her eyes, she told me the table held precious childhood memories and that her mother had promised it to her someday. By the time I realized my mistake, the vehicle was long gone.
My heart sank. I had assumed no one would want the old table, and in doing so I unintentionally hurt someone I dearly love. I wished I could turn back the clock, but I couldn’t. All I could do was admit my mistake, apologize sincerely, and ask for forgiveness. Thankfully, my granddaughter graciously forgave me, and we embraced. Even now, I still regret what happened, but I also thank God for His grace and for her forgiving heart.
Everyone makes mistakes
Albert Einstein once said, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Every one of us will make mistakes because none of us is perfect. Sometimes our mistakes are small; sometimes they have lasting consequences. When possible, we should do everything we can to make things right. When we cannot undo the damage, we can still confess our failure, seek forgiveness, and trust God to help bring healing.
The Christian life is not about never falling; it is about continually getting back up through God’s grace.
Learn from your mistakes
Every mistake presents an opportunity to grow in wisdom and humility. Ask yourself, What can I learn from this? How can I avoid making the same mistake again? Winston Churchill wisely observed,
“All men make mistakes, but only wise men learn from their mistakes.”
The Bible reminds us
“For we all stumble in many ways…” (James 3:2 ESV)
Only Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life. The rest of us will stumble from time to time. The important thing is not pretending we never fail, but responding to our failures God’s way.
When you make a mistake humbly confess it
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Prov. 28:13 ESV)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)
Therefore
“For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” (Prov. 24:16 ESV)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1 ESV)
Quote
“When you make a mistake, there are only three things you should ever do about it: admit it, learn from it, and don’t repeat it.” - Paul Bear Bryant