It occurred years ago, but it was in the wee hours of the morning that I faced it.
I’d failed.
There had been an opportunity to reach the lost with the love of Christ Jesus and I’d totally missed it.
Rather than show grace and mercy, I stood on my rights and quietly, but firmly asked the offending party to leave.
I wish I’d handled it differently.
I wish my mind had recalled the Lord’s words:
Matthew 5:40 NKJV — “If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.”
The naked truth is, I lost an opportunity to shine the love of Jesus.
So, what does a follower of Christ do when we’ve failed?
We repent.
1 John 2:1-2NKJV — My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
We remember the truth.
1 John 1:7 NKJV — But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
We walk in the forgiveness of Christ and seek another opportunity.
1 John 2:5-6 NKJV — But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
For a soul redeemed by Christ, is one who admits the sin, but chooses to walk away from the continuation, doing whatever is required to put an end to the sinful behavior.
Matthew 5:29 NKJV — “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”
The consequences will remain, but how we deal with them is completely different.
1 John 1:8-9 NKJV — If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
For me, it is learning from my error, made so long ago.
Looking honestly at my incorrect motivation in the moment, confessing my error, and taking whatever steps are required.
Leaving the past in the Lord’s hands, rejoicing in His forgiveness, and humbly choosing thankfulness for the painful lesson.
Living today, understanding my failure, but being defined by my Savior.
Philippians 1:6 KJV — Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
While I look forward to that, I am encouraged to live in today with my utmost devotion to the One who makes me perfect in Him.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Lord, thank You for truth which surpasses all understanding. To know that You love me, You forgive me, even though I have never deserved it! To walk with You in humility and love is the best and most wonderful gift. Lord, You know of my failures. Lord, You know of my struggles to do what is right. Please continue to teach me Your ways, to lead me in Your paths, to be honorable before You. Lord, You understand better than I what this day holds, please help me to walk with You and to love as You do. May my life bring glory to Your name. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 