Sometimes I hate being human. I react too quickly and open my mouth when I should keep it closed, particularly when I'm offended or hurt for someone else. The Holy Spirit quickly convicts me, reminding me who I am. I am a child of God. And all that I do and say I do as a representative of Him. When I'm at my worst I dishonor Him.
This morning I did just that. And I know of no way to retrieve my words. Once spoken they can't be undone. An apology may be helpful, but the damage is done.
Like all mankind I'm plagued by sin--plain and simple.
Paul understood all of this well. In Romans 7:14-16 he said, "We know that the law is spiritual, but I am unspiritual,sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing."
Forever on my knees--that is where I find myself, seeking God's forgiveness. I suppose I should be thankful that at least I know when I've done wrong. There was a time I wouldn't have recognized my sin. I am growing in Christ, but sadly I have a long way to go. I'm guessing we all do.
Don't give up. When you do or say something that dishonors God or hurts another seek God. He will forgive. And after you've done that, do your best to correct the wrong done or seek forgiveness from the one you've wronged. They may not forgive, at least not right away. Give them time. If it doesn't happen, go on but never forget the consequences of sin. Lean hard on God for strength, compassion and love for we are to love even our enemies.
We will never achieve perfection while on this earth, but when we place our whole selves in God's hands we can be assured that we will grow and become more like Him. And the more we're like Him the more people will see God. And that can change the world.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
thanks, friend--I so join ya in feeling human and grrrrrr at what sometimes pops outta my mouth. Bible says "Whatever is in the heart overflows into speech." arrrrrrgh... gotta keep our hearts right. Ohhh, I'm thankful for a big God and great friends who forgive and understand... we'll pray for one another!
ReplyDeletePatti, thanks for the prayers. We need one another.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you.
The last couple of fiction books I've read have dealt with forgiveness. They made an impact on me as did this blog. And something that comes to mind is that we are hurting ourselves more than the offender by not forgiving him/her. Seeking forgiveness can be hard but somtimes accepting forgiveness is even harder.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Kav.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace to you.