Backing Up
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
I marvel at technology and the sound effects. There are high-pitched beeps, and low-honking blares and everything in between. These are the sounds of vehicles backing up.
As Christians, we often back up. Mistakes, new information, change of plans, and our ears shall hear a word behind us, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when we turn to the right or when we turn to the left (Isaiah 30:21). Every day we make many mistakes; some are small and insignificant where a quick “Oops” or “I’m sorry!” are sufficient. But then, there are those huge blunders that cause trouble.
Our muddles often cause pain, embarrassment, and heart ache for others. Yet, our slip-ups come so easily for us! We speak before we think. We act prior to weighing the cost. Our own preconceived notions block us from seeing the situation clearly. Yes, we are prone to these things.
We must learn to use the reverse technology. Loudly acknowledging that errors have been committed is a good thing—especially when others have been emotionally wounded. As Christians, we are being watched; the unsaved world wants to know how we handle life.
But how about the times when we have intentionally been snarky? Come on, friends, we do have those moments! Our little—or big—quick-witted comments that seem to fall out of our mouths at precisely the right occasion most definitely need more than an “Oops!”
Think before you speak. At what cost are you willing to pay for your actions? Judge not. Of course, we know the reality of all these statements but somehow those evil thoughts and words creep in and before we know it, out they come.
We can never back up and pretend things didn’t happen. Reality says they did but we find it difficult to forget. Yet, forgiveness should be on our radar whether we are on the giving or receiving end of mistakes.
Forgive yourself! Yes, you did it but be gentle and learn from the situation. If He has forgiven you, who are you to keep wallowing in the sin pit? Crawl out of there and get on down the road with life!
Loving Father, thank You for forgiveness! You have reached down and gently helped us back up and see our mistakes. You have heard our cries of despair for our thoughts, words, and actions. Thank You for still loving us. AMEN.