I made a mistake at work this week — not a big one, but a mistake all the same that could have had consequences.
I hate making mistakes maybe because it reminds me that I'm flawed and imperfect.
One thing you should know about me – when I make a mistake, as humbling as it may be, I will quickly take full responsibility for it.
I will own it.
Because I’ve learned over the years, it is always better, to tell the truth -even when it is painful.
It amazes me to watch others try to worm their way out of taking ownership for their actions, weaknesses, and mistakes. It seems to have become a trend in our society, especially with the pressure of social media to maintain a false illusion of happiness and perfection.
Besides pride, why are folks hesitant to admit their mistakes?
Shame.
Shame makes us shrink from doing what is right. You know shame is present when fear takes over enticing us to: hide, deny, blame, minimize or rationalize.
Friends, we can’t fix what we don’t know or won't admit is broken.
I love this quote from Bruce Lee –
“Mistakes are always forgivable
if one has the courage to admit them.”
Instead of allowing pride or shame to hinder you, have the courage to reveal yourself in truth to God and others; so that forgiveness and restoration can take place.
God lovingly calls us to this principle, not just in a practical sense, but a spiritual one.
He calls us to come and freely reveal ourselves to Him; safely admitting our failures, mistakes, weaknesses, and sins so that restoration can be achieved. We can become reconciled with God, and our mistakes forgiven if we only ask with a heart that is authentic and remorseful.
The Bible tells us precisely how to address our mistakes:
Proverbs 28:13- “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” (NLT)
Acts 3:19- “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
James 5:16- “Confess your faults to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.” (MEV)
1 John 1:9- “But if we confess our sins, he will forgive us, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.” (NCV)
Admit your mistakes to both God and others.
It’s O.K.
You don’t need to be afraid because the One who is perfect- God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit- the triune God extends forgiveness, grace, and mercy to those that own their mistakes.
No shame. No fear. No punishment.
Just restorative compassion for those that seek forgiveness.
In the end, it indeed is better to just own it - because the truth really will set you free.
(John 8:32)
Father, you tell us to come to you with all our concerns and confessions. In your loving care, you will wash our scarlet stains of sin, disobedience, and mistakes and restore us white as snow. Nothing is too terrible to forgive, and nothing is too marred to heal in your merciful hands. Help us to put shame aside and own our mistakes before you and men; in doing so, we find freedom.
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
~ 1 John 1:8