Failure

If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

1 John 1:9

I am a Christian wife and mother. I love the Lord now more than I ever have! But I am still human. Even though I did not do something as destructive as cutting off a soldier’s ear like Peter did in the garden of Gethsemane (John 18:10), I did call my husband a name! I was so mad at him, and it just popped out.

I can’t believe it slipped, but it did. I feel ashamed, and I don’t know what to do.

Then again . . . yes, I do! The truth settles in my mind, and I know I need to call my sin what it is. I need to admit my wrong and ask God and Mark to forgive me. “I am sorry. I was wrong.” I begin by praying.

“I love You, Lord. I have believed in You since age nine. I gave You my whole heart in college and turned my life over to You. I have been walking with You for years, but I have failed today!

“I need You to ‘restore to me the joy of your salvation’ (Psalm 51:12) because I sinned against my wonderful husband and against You.

“What if I could not go to You, Lord? What if I had to carry my sin forever? ‘Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord’ (Romans 7:24-25). You will free me, Lord. You will forgive me!”

Once I take care of heart business with my God who loves me, I am ready to sit down with Mark and ask for his forgiveness, thankful that he loves me too.

As I teach young children and adults at tea parties, it’s good manners to say five important words: “I’m sorry. I was wrong.” Let’s own up to our sins sooner rather than later. Jesus can set our hearts and relationships back on track. He offers grace and forgiveness when we fail.